universal ring sundial
Datecirca 1700
Inventory Number7465
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
Nicolas Bion
1656 - 1733
Place of Origin
DimensionsOverall: 0.8 lb., 0.5 x 11.8 x 9.4 x 9.4 cm (0.4 kg, 3/16 x 4 5/8 x 3 11/16 x 3 11/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 0.7 x 10.1 x 13 cm (1/4 x 4 x 5 1/8 in.)
Overall - Storage: 0.7 x 10.1 x 13 cm (1/4 x 4 x 5 1/8 in.)
Material
AccessoriesHardened leather case
Description3 11/16" Diameter Brass Universal Equinoctial Ring Dial by Bion with Case
3 11/16" diameter UER Dial with the meridian ring's latitude scale divided in 1° increments from 0° to 90° for North latitudes with a similar scale for South latitudes located on the opposite.side of the ring. The time scale is for 24 hours (1-12, 1-12) divided in 15' increments. 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. March 21 is the date for 0° declination. The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is a continuous loop,Circular
3 11/16" diameter UER Dial with the meridian ring's latitude scale divided in 1° increments from 0° to 90° for North latitudes with a similar scale for South latitudes located on the opposite.side of the ring. The time scale is for 24 hours (1-12, 1-12) divided in 15' increments. 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. March 21 is the date for 0° declination. The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is a continuous loop,Circular
SignedSigned "A Paris Chez N. BION, Sur le Quay de l'Orloge du Palais"
Curatorial RemarksSince Bion died in 1733 (Daumas, p. 39), the 1750 dating in the paper files cannot be supported. A more likely date is ca. 1700. Appraised by Brieux, 9/24/84, for $2000.
FunctionThe universal ring dial was the most precise of all portable dials. When set for latitude and time of year, the dial is suspended and rotated until a small spot of sunlight from the pinhole in the cross bar is cast upon the inner ring of the hour circle. In this position, it indicates not only the correct solar time, but also, by the orientation of the large ring, the direction of North and South.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Sotheby's, London, March 13, 1967 (lot 34). Donated to CHSI 1985.
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
