universal ring sundial
Datecirca 1730
Inventory Number7464
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
Edmund Culpeper
fl. 1684-1737
Place of Origin
DimensionsOverall: 1 lb., 0.7 x 7.8 x 7.8 x 9.5 cm (0.5 kg, 1/4 x 3 1/16 x 3 1/16 x 3 3/4 in.)
Overall - Storage: 11 x 12.5 x 2.3 cm (4 5/16 x 4 15/16 x 7/8 in.)
Overall - Storage: 11 x 12.5 x 2.3 cm (4 5/16 x 4 15/16 x 7/8 in.)
Material
AccessoriesRectangular black leather covered case with dark blue velvet lining.
Description3 1/16" Diameter Silver Universal Equinoctial Ring Dial
3 1/16" diameter silver UER Dial with the meridian ring's latitude scale divided in 1° increments from 0° to 80° for North latitudes and 0° to 90° for South latitudes. The reverse side of the meridian ring has an altitude scale divided in 1° increments from 0° to 90°. The time scale is, divided in 7.5' increments from I-XII-I-XII. 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 and a declination scale. March 10 is the date for 0° declination. The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is a continuous loop. Photo of object can be found in C1-g.,circular
3 1/16" diameter silver UER Dial with the meridian ring's latitude scale divided in 1° increments from 0° to 80° for North latitudes and 0° to 90° for South latitudes. The reverse side of the meridian ring has an altitude scale divided in 1° increments from 0° to 90°. The time scale is, divided in 7.5' increments from I-XII-I-XII. 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 and a declination scale. March 10 is the date for 0° declination. The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is a continuous loop. Photo of object can be found in C1-g.,circular
SignedSigned "Culpeper fecit" on the meridian ring.
Curatorial RemarksAppraised by Brieux, 9/24/84: $5000.
FunctionThis instrument is self-orienting for the measurement of latitude and time without the need of a compass.
ProvenanceErnst Weil purchased from Sotheby's, London, February 26, 1962 (lot 158). David Wheatland purchased from Weil just after the sale. Donated to CHSI 1985.
Nicolas Bion
Date: circa 1700
Accessories: Hardened leather case
Object number: 7465
