universal ring sundial
Date1700
Inventory Number7153
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
Italian
?
Place of Origin
DimensionsOverall: 1.1 lb., 11.2 x 1.1 x 11.2 x 13.1 cm (0.5 kg, 4 7/16 x 7/16 x 4 7/16 x 5 3/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 1.1 x 11.2 x 13.1 cm (7/16 x 4 7/16 x 5 3/16 in.)
Overall - Storage: 1.1 x 11.2 x 13.1 cm (7/16 x 4 7/16 x 5 3/16 in.)
Material
AccessoriesNone
Description4 3/8" Diameter Brass Universal Equinoctial Ring Dial with Quadrant
4 3/8" diameter UER Dial with the meridian ring's latitude scale divided in 2° increments from 0° to 90° for North 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 15' increments from I-XII-I-XII. The bridge is crudely 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,This dial's construction differs from the typical UER in that two concentric rings are used for the both the meridian ring and the equinoctial ring. It is not clear what advantage is obtained by this construction, if any.
4 3/8" diameter UER Dial with the meridian ring's latitude scale divided in 2° increments from 0° to 90° for North 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 15' increments from I-XII-I-XII. The bridge is crudely 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,This dial's construction differs from the typical UER in that two concentric rings are used for the both the meridian ring and the equinoctial ring. It is not clear what advantage is obtained by this construction, if any.
Curatorial RemarksAppraisal by Brieux, 9/24/84: $800
FunctionThis instrument is self-orienting for the measurement of latitude and time without the need of a compass.
ProvenanceJoseph Drecker, Aachen, Germany, before 1928 (no. 202); Frederik Casparus Wieder, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 1928; D. P. Wheatland, Topsfield, MA, 1959; gift to CHSI, ca. 1987.
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
