floating sundial
Date1750
Inventory Number7804
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
W. Burucker
Place of Origin
DimensionsOverall: 0.1 lb., 4.9 x 3 x 4.9 x 4.9 cm (0.1 kg, 1 15/16 x 1 3/16 x 1 15/16 x 1 15/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 3 x 4.9 x 4.9 cm (1 3/16 x 1 15/16 x 1 15/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 3 x 4.9 x 4.9 cm (1 3/16 x 1 15/16 x 1 15/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionFloating Magnetic Dial in dark wooden case with cover. Floating magnetic compass card mounted in a turned wooden case with gnomon at an angle of approximately 52°. The chapter ring is printed on the floating compass card with hours marked from V to XII to VII with 30 minute subdivisions. The compass rose is divided into 4 points marked Nord, Ost, Sud and West,circular,Hand colored yellow, blue, red and green decorations on paper surfaces.
SignedSigned "Burucker" printed on dial face.
Curatorial RemarksChristie's DC830/131. The inventory number was changed from 7241 to 7804 to eliminate a conflict with a Silver Butterfield Dial by Le Maire.
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.
ProvenanceW. Burucker, 1750; Joseph Drecker, Aachen, Germany, before 1928 (no. 25); David P. Wheatland, Topsfield, MA, 1960
