universal ring sundial
Datecirca 1775
Inventory Number7157
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
George Adams (I)
1709 - 1772
Place of Origin
DimensionsOverall: 23.6 x 3.3 x 23.6 x 30 cm, 7.3 lb. (9 5/16 x 1 5/16 x 9 5/16 x 11 13/16 in., 3.3 kg)
Overall - Storage: 23.6 x 3.3 x 30 cm (9 5/16 x 1 5/16 x 11 13/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 23.6 x 3.3 x 30 cm (9 5/16 x 1 5/16 x 11 13/16 in.)
Material
AccessoriesNone
Description9 1/4-inch diameter brass universal ring sundial with nautical quadrant on reverse.
Meridian ring's latitude scale divided in 0.5° increments from 0° to 90° to 0° for both North and South latitudes. The reverse side of the meridian ring has a nautical quadrant with the scale divided in 0.5° increments from 0° to 90°.
The hour scale runs I-XII twice. The bridge is engraved on one side with a calendar scale in 2-day increments. On the reverse, there is a declination scale in 0.5° increments and a zodiacal scale.
Meridian ring's latitude scale divided in 0.5° increments from 0° to 90° to 0° for both North and South latitudes. The reverse side of the meridian ring has a nautical quadrant with the scale divided in 0.5° increments from 0° to 90°.
The hour scale runs I-XII twice. The bridge is engraved on one side with a calendar scale in 2-day increments. On the reverse, there is a declination scale in 0.5° increments and a zodiacal scale.
Signedon underside of hour ring: G Adams Fleet Street London
Curatorial RemarksOn loan to Monticello for many years; returned.
FunctionThis instrument is self-orienting for the measurement of time without the need of a compass.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from William Gardner, London, February 24, 1968. 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
