horizontal sundial
Datecirca 1921
Inventory Number7913
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Place of Origin
Dimensions1 × 8 × 5.1 cm (3/8 × 3 1/8 × 2 in.)
Material
AccessoriesOriginal cardboard box (damaged) and instructions (copyright 1921).
DescriptionThe horizontal dial and small magnetic compass are on the inner surface of a rectangular assembly which is protected by a hinged lid. The gnomon of the dial is hinged to rotate into a slot for storage. The side of the gnomon tis marked to facilitate adjustment for latitudes of 35°, 40°, and 45°. There are three chapter rings for the same latitudes as the gnomon settings. Each chapter ring is marked in Arabic numerals 5-12-1-7 with 15 minute subdivisions. The compass rose is divided into 16 points with every other point marked N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, and NW. There is also a compass scale subdivided in 9° increments and a scale for magnetic variation from 40° W to 40° E with 5° subdivisions.,rectangular
Horizontal Dial with Compass, SUNWATCH, in rectangular brass case by The Anson
Horizontal Dial with Compass, SUNWATCH, in rectangular brass case by The Anson
SignedSigned "MANUFACTURED BY THE ANSONIA CLOCK CO. U.S.A." / "SUNWATCH" on the dial face.
InscribedTable of latitudes, longitudes and magnetic variation for 31 U.S. cities and the Equation of Time versus dates printed inside the upper lid.
FunctionTime finding at a range of latitudes after orienting gnomon to point toward true North.
ProvenanceHarold Clarence Ernst, MD, Boston, c. 1900-1922 (no. 100); Mrs. Ellen L. Ernst (his widow), Jamaica Plain, MA, 1922; on loan to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1923-1938; gift to Harvard College Observatory, 1938; transfer to CHSI, 1964.
Outdoor Supply Company, Inc.
Date: circa 1950
Accessories: Original cardboard box in fine condition with instructions. Box marked "BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA" and wih sales sticker from F.A.O. Schwarz, New York, N. Y.
Object number: 7202
Date: circa 1930
Accessories: Cardboard box in fine condition
Object number: 7201
Swedish
Date: 1800
Accessories: ivory case with engine-turned engraving on top of cover
Object number: HO81Z-6
Japanese
Date: circa 1910
Accessories: Circular metal case with push-on cover (which may not have any original connection with sundial). There is a colored picture of a shepherd and a flock of sheep on a paper inserted inside the lid and two loose red paper discs.
Object number: 7979
English
Date: circa 1935
Accessories: Blue cardboard box with instructions printed on a circular paper glued to the interior of the lower half. There is also a slip-in brown leather case.
Object number: 7224