universal ring sundial
Date1750
Inventory Number7145
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
Fs.? Ducommun
Place of Origin
DimensionsOverall: 0.7 lb., 1 x 12.5 x 9 x 9 cm (0.3 kg, 3/8 x 4 15/16 x 3 9/16 x 3 9/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 1 x 12.5 x 9 cm (3/8 x 4 15/16 x 3 9/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 1 x 12.5 x 9 cm (3/8 x 4 15/16 x 3 9/16 in.)
Material
AccessoriesNone
Description3 5/8" Diameter Brass Universal Equinoctial Ring Dial by Ducommun
3 5/8" diameter UER Dial with the meridian ring's latitude scale divided in 1° increments from 0° to 90° for North Latitudes. The time scale is divided in 5' increments. The bridge is engraved on one side with a calendar in 5 day increments. On the other side of the bridge there is a declination scale in 1/2° increments and a Zodiac scale. March 21 is the date for 0° declination. The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is a continuous loop.,circular
3 5/8" diameter UER Dial with the meridian ring's latitude scale divided in 1° increments from 0° to 90° for North Latitudes. The time scale is divided in 5' increments. The bridge is engraved on one side with a calendar in 5 day increments. On the other side of the bridge there is a declination scale in 1/2° increments and a Zodiac scale. March 21 is the date for 0° declination. The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is a continuous loop.,circular
Signed"Fs. Ducommun a la Chaux de Fonds" engraved on reverse side of inner ring
Curatorial RemarksAppraisal by Brieux, 9/24/84: $3000
FunctionThis instrument is self-orienting for the measurement of time without the need of a compass.
ProvenanceHarrold E. Gillingham, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, purchased in London, 1925. 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
Nicolas Bion
Date: circa 1700
Accessories: Hardened leather case
Object number: 7465
Louis Chapotot
Date: circa 1700
Accessories: Fitted case in fine condition.
Object number: 7154