universal ring sundial
Date1806
Inventory Number7905
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions0.6 × 9.2 × 7.2 cm (1/4 × 3 5/8 × 2 13/16 in.)
Material
AccessoriesNone
Description2 13/16" Diameter Silver Universal Equinoctial Ring Dial
2 13/16" diameter silver 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 30' increments from I-XII-I-XII. 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 20 is the date for 0° declination. The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is a continuous loop,circular
2 13/16" diameter silver 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 30' increments from I-XII-I-XII. 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 20 is the date for 0° declination. The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is a continuous loop,circular
InscribedThe meridian ring is engraved with the latitudes of 15 towns.
Curatorial RemarksPortugal is the wrong country (see Maker's Mark) but the database cannot be changed.
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. 60); 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.
Edmund Culpeper
Date: circa 1730
Accessories: Rectangular black leather covered case with dark blue velvet lining.
Object number: 7464
Nicolas Bion
Date: circa 1700
Accessories: Hardened leather case
Object number: 7465
Louis Chapotot
Date: circa 1700
Accessories: Fitted case in fine condition.
Object number: 7154
