universal ring sundial
Datecirca 1700
Inventory Number7160
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
German
?
Cultural Region
DimensionsOverall: 2.2 lb., 17.1 x 1.3 x 17.1 x 20.8 cm (1 kg, 6 3/4 x 1/2 x 6 3/4 x 8 3/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 1.3 x 17.1 x 20.8 cm (1/2 x 6 3/4 x 8 3/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 1.3 x 17.1 x 20.8 cm (1/2 x 6 3/4 x 8 3/16 in.)
Material
AccessoriesNone
Description6 3/4" diameter universal ring dial with the latitude scale on the meridian ring divided into 1/2° increments from 0° to 90° for northern latitudes. The hour scale on the equatorial ring runs III-XII-IX with subdivisions at the quarter hours on the upper surface. The area inside the ring is divided 0-24 hours with 1/4 hour subdivisions. The solar declination bridge is engraved on one side with the months, subdivided every 5 days. On the other side of the bridge there is a Zodiacal scale marked with the signs and subdivided every 5 degrees. March 21 is the date for 0° declination.
The instrument is suspended from a ring on a slider with an index.
Latitudes for 18 towns are engraved on the meridian ring in degrees and minutes.
The instrument is suspended from a ring on a slider with an index.
Latitudes for 18 towns are engraved on the meridian ring in degrees and minutes.
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis instrument is self-orienting for the measure of time without the need of a compass.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Ernst Weil, London, 1952. Donated to CHSI 1985.
Spanish
Date: 1725-1775
Accessories: early photo shows case (currently missing)
Object number: 7904
Lorenz Grassl
Date: circa 1780
Accessories: case
Object number: HO81Z-2
