universal ring sundial
Date1700
Inventory Number7164
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
German
Place of Origin
DimensionsOverall: 0.2 lb., 5.9 x 0.5 x 5 x 6.2 cm (0.1 kg, 2 5/16 x 3/16 x 1 15/16 x 2 7/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 0.5 x 5.9 x 6.2 cm (3/16 x 2 5/16 x 2 7/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 0.5 x 5.9 x 6.2 cm (3/16 x 2 5/16 x 2 7/16 in.)
Material
AccessoriesNone
Description2" Diameter Brass Universal Equinoctial Ring Dial
2" 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 for 24 hours (1-12, 1-12), with no subdivisions. 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 rivits and the suspension ring is a continuous loop.,circular
2" 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 for 24 hours (1-12, 1-12), with no subdivisions. 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 rivits and the suspension ring is a continuous loop.,circular
InscribedLatitudes for 16 towns are engraved on the meridian ring.
Curatorial RemarksThe early dewscriptions of this instrument mention a wire for the Earth's axis and no adjustment for declination . This suggests that the bridge could be a replacement.
FunctionThis instrument is self-orienting for the measurement of time without the need of a compass.
ProvenanceJoseph Drecker, Aachen, Germany, before 1928 (no. 99); Frederik Casparus Wieder, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 1928; D. P. Wheatland, Topsfield, MA, 1959; gift to CHSI, ca. 1987.
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
Edmund Culpeper
Date: circa 1730
Accessories: Rectangular black leather covered case with dark blue velvet lining.
Object number: 7464
