universal ring sundial
Datecirca 1700
Inventory Number7154
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
Louis Chapotot
fl. 1670 - 1700
Place of Origin
Dimensions2.6 × 6 × 4.7 cm (1 × 2 3/8 × 1 7/8 in.)
Material
AccessoriesFitted case in fine condition.
Description1 7/8" Diameter Brass Universal Equinoctial Ring Dial with fixed half equinoctia
1 7/8" diameter UER Dial with the meridian ring's latitude scale divided in 2° increments from 0° to 80° for North latitudes. The time scale is divided in 30' increments around 1/2 of a circle. The bridge is engraved on one side with a calendar in 10 day increments. On the other side of the bridge there is a Zodiac scale. The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is a continuous loop (soldered).,Half circle hour ring is very unusual.,Half of a sphere.
1 7/8" diameter UER Dial with the meridian ring's latitude scale divided in 2° increments from 0° to 80° for North latitudes. The time scale is divided in 30' increments around 1/2 of a circle. The bridge is engraved on one side with a calendar in 10 day increments. On the other side of the bridge there is a Zodiac scale. The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is a continuous loop (soldered).,Half circle hour ring is very unusual.,Half of a sphere.
SignedSigned "Chapotot a Paris" on edge of meridian ring
Curatorial RemarksUnusual design in very fine condition. Appraisal by Brieux, 9/24/84: $2000
FunctionThis instrument is self-orienting for the measurement of time without the need of a compass.
ProvenanceHarrold E. Gillingham, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased from Gertrude Hamilton (Mercator), Paris, c. 1930. David Wheatland purchased from Gillingham, 1949. Donated to CHSI 1985.
Edmund Culpeper
Date: circa 1730
Accessories: Rectangular black leather covered case with dark blue velvet lining.
Object number: 7464
Spanish
Date: 1725-1775
Accessories: early photo shows case (currently missing)
Object number: 7904
Nicolas Bion
Date: circa 1700
Accessories: Hardened leather case
Object number: 7465
