3585

Late 18th Century

AUGSBURG UNIVERSAL EQUINOCTIAL SUNDIAL

Unsigned. This equinoctial dial is the portable pocket Augsburg type, with an octagonal brass plate richly engraved with scroll and foliate designs, containing a magnetic "blued" needle, over a compass rose engraved on the silvered base plate. The equinoctial hour ring is hinged to the north side of the base plate and the latitude arc is hinged to the west side of the plate. The gnomon is a narrow pointed rod set at the center of a pivoted bar lying across the east-west diameter of the hour ring. Hours engraved in Roman numerals on the ring from 3 a.m. (III) am to 9 p.m. (IX). The adjustable latitude arc is marked with 10 to 80 degrees latitude. Reverse of the base is unmarked. Contained within the original leather and card case, which has a brass disk mounted on the interior of the lid engraved with latitudes of various European cities.
Diameter of dial 1.75". Total diameter of box 2.5".
Condition: Very good. No apparent signs of restoration or repair, the needle is intact

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 New York, Scientific Instruments, Sale #6306 'Gemini' Auction, 1986.
    The Kelton Collection of Marine Art & Artifacts.
  • Literature:
    Sundial, An Illustrated History of Portable Dials by Hester Higton (London, Philip Wilson, 2001).


    The pocket equatorial dial, which may have been of Chinese derivation, met universal time-telling requirements in an elegant small package. They were very popular during the 16th to 18th Centuries.

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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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August 5, 2022 9:30 AM EDT
East Dennis, MA, US

Eldred's

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