universal ring sundial
Date1725-1775
Inventory Number7904
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
Spanish
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionsfolded flat: 0.6 × 9.3 × 7.3 cm (1/4 × 3 11/16 × 2 7/8 in.)
Material
Accessoriesearly photo shows case (currently missing)
Description2 7/8" diameter universal ring dial with the meridian ring's latitude scale divided in 1° increments from 90° to 0° to 90° for latitudes. The hour scale is divided into half-hour 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 zodiacal calender scale. March 20 is the date for 0° declination.
The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is a continuous loop. The towns listed are in Chile. The Northern latitude scale has a different style of engraving that may have been added at a later time.
The instrument is assembled with screws and the suspension ring is a continuous loop. The towns listed are in Chile. The Northern latitude scale has a different style of engraving that may have been added at a later time.
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis instrument is self-orienting for the measurement of time without the need of a compass.
ProvenanceHarold Clarence Ernst, MD, Boston, c. 1900-1922 (no. 57); 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.
Nicolas Bion
Date: circa 1700
Accessories: Hardened leather case
Object number: 7465
Edmund Culpeper
Date: circa 1730
Accessories: Rectangular black leather covered case with dark blue velvet lining.
Object number: 7464
