universal ring sundial
Date1703-1726
Inventory Number7906
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
Johann Willebrand
1658 - 1726
Place of Origin
Dimensions0.4 × 10 × 8.5 cm (3/16 × 3 15/16 × 3 3/8 in.)
Material
AccessoriesNone
Description3 3/8" Diameter Silvered Brass Universal Equinoctial Ring Dial
3 3/8" diameter silvered brass 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 15' increments from 1-12-1-12. The bridge is engraved on one side with a calendar in 5 day increments. On the other side of the bridge there is a Zodiac scale. March 20 is the date for 0° declination. The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is not a continuous loop,circular
3 3/8" diameter silvered brass 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 15' increments from 1-12-1-12. The bridge is engraved on one side with a calendar in 5 day increments. On the other side of the bridge there is a Zodiac scale. March 20 is the date for 0° declination. The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is not a continuous loop,circular
SignedSigned "Johann Willebrand, in Augspurg" on meridian ring
InscribedThere are latitudes in degrees for 12 towns engraved on the equinoctial ring and another 23 towns on the meridian ring.
FunctionThis instrument is self-orienting for the measure of time without the need of a compass.
ProvenanceHarold Clarence Ernst, MD, Boston, c. 1900-1922 (no. 56); 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.
Nicolas Bion
Date: circa 1700
Accessories: Hardened leather case
Object number: 7465
Edmund Culpeper
Date: circa 1730
Accessories: Rectangular black leather covered case with dark blue velvet lining.
Object number: 7464
Louis Chapotot
Date: circa 1700
Accessories: Fitted case in fine condition.
Object number: 7154
