3-ring universal ring sundial
Datedate 1734
Inventory Number7169
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
German
Place of Origin
Dimensions1.5 × 10.6 × 8.4 cm (9/16 × 4 3/16 × 3 5/16 in.)
Material
AccessoriesNone
DescriptionThe meridian ring (outer ring) is marked for northern latitudes from 0° to 86° in 1° increments. The equinoctial ring (center ring) is marked I-XII-I-XII in 1/2 hour increments. The horary ring (inner ring) includes a rotating peep sight that can be adjusted against a date scale divided into months. The latitudes of 7 towns are marked on the meridian ring, 9 more on the equinoctial ring and 11 more on the horary ring for a total of 27 towns, all in degrees and minutes.,circular
Inscribed"AN: 1734" is stamped on the equinoctial ring adjacent to the January date mark.
FunctionThis instrument has three rings: the latitude is set by the position of the suspension index against the degree scale; the pinhole on the far side of the inner ring is rotated for adjustment for the Sun's position north or south of the Equator; the hours are marked on the center ring. To tell the time, the dial and the inner ring are rotated until the pinhole of light falls across the inner ring, which will then indicate the time.
ProvenanceHarrold E. Gillingham, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, acquired from Martha R. Wray, London, 1931. David Wheatland purchased from Gillingham, 1949. Donated to CHSI 1985.
German
Date: 1700
Accessories: None. A painted metal stand, No. 408 is associated with this dial but has not been located
Object number: 7172
Jacobus Lusberg
Date: date 1688
Accessories: Oval green sharkskin fitted case and seperate plummet.
Object number: 7068
