floating sundial
Date1800
Inventory Number7237
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
German
Place of Origin
DimensionsOverall: 0.1 lb., 4.9 x 4.3 x 4.9 x 4.9 cm (0.1 kg, 1 15/16 x 1 11/16 x 1 15/16 x 1 15/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 4.3 x 4.9 x 4.9 cm (1 11/16 x 1 15/16 x 1 15/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 4.3 x 4.9 x 4.9 cm (1 11/16 x 1 15/16 x 1 15/16 in.)
Material
AccessoriesNone.
DescriptionFloating Magnetic Dial in medium colored wooden case with dome shaped cover. Floating magnetic compass card with fixed gnomon. The chapter ring is printed on the floating compass card with hours marked from 4 to 12 to 8 with 30 minute subdivisions. The compass rose is on a fixed ring surrounding the floating card and is divided into 4 points marked NORT, OST, SUD, andWEST.,circular,The chapter ring and compass rose are hand colored in red, yellow, and green.
Curatorial RemarksChristie's DC830/128
FunctionThe local time is indicated by the shadow of a self-orienting gnomon mounted on a magnetic compass card. This design is intended to be used at one specific latitude and magnetic deviation.
ProvenanceJoseph Drecker, Aachen, Germany, before 1928 (no. 26); Frederik Casparus Wieder, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 1928; D. P. Wheatland, Topsfield, MA, 1959; gift to CHSI, ca. 1987.
