6001

Europe, Circa 1775

BRASS UNIVERSAL EQUINOCTIAL RING DIAL

Unsigned. The outermost meridian ring with a latitude scale suspends the dial by a sliding indicator, which can be moved along the meridian ring and set with the clamp screw. The inner equinoctial ring with Roman numerals rotates on and locks onto stops on the front and back. Central slotted indicator bar with a sliding pinhole gnomon, the sun indicator. Setting the date on the gnomon adjusts it to the sun's appropriate declination, allowing the shadow to indicate its altitude on the meridian ring in the same manner as on a mariner's astrolabe.
Diameter 6.5".
Condition: Excellent. No apparent signs of restoration or repair.

The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 

  • Provenance:
    Christie's, South Kensington, Scientific Instruments, 1985.
    The Kelton Collection of Marine Art & Artifacts.

    Self-orienting, this type of dial was very convenient to use at sea because a compass is not necessary, the method of suspension does not necessitate a steady base, it can be used in any latitude and it can be folded flat for storage. In favorable weather conditions this ring dial could be used at sea to obtain accurate readings within ten minutes. Although the precise origin of this instrument is unknown, its invention in the Early 17th Century was attributed to William Oughtred (1575-1660) by Henry Wynn in a pamphlet published in 1682. It remained in use into the Mid-19th Century.

    When the instrument is suspended and turned to allow the sun's rays to pass through the pinhole gnomon, the time is indicated on the hour scale of the equinoctial ring by a spot of light (except at midday when the sun is obscured by the meridian ring). In addition to telling time, the Universal Ring Dial can be used to determine the sun's declination.

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Shipping

We require prompt payment and removal of your purchases as stated in Paragraph 12 of the Conditions of Sale. If you plan to pick up your purchases, please call ahead and we'll make every effort to have your items ready. Our physical address is 1483 Route 6A, East Dennis, MA. Pick up of smaller items at our Mystic, CT location is also available with advance notice.
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COLLECTION OF PURCHASES: Delivery or shipping arrangements must be made within seven (7) days from the close of the auction for all purchases. All items must be removed from Eldred's facilities within fourteen (14) days of the end of the auction. All items remaining after fourteen days may be subject to a $15/per item/per day storage fee. No items will be released unless storage fees are paid in full. Items remaining over thirty (30) days from the close of the auction may be sold for the buyer's account minus auction and storage fees.

September 8, 2022 9:30 AM EDT
East Dennis, MA, US

Eldred's

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
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$100 $499 $25
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$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
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$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000