Universal equinoctial ring dial

Add to album

This universal equinoctial ring dial was made around 1760, probably by Samuel Saunders, master compass-maker to the Admiralty at London's Deptford Dock. Based on the 16th-century astronomical ring, this form of dial is to an English design of 1652.

The instrument is made of brass. It is engraved on the edge of the outer ring: 'S. Saunders London Fecit'.

The user sets the index below the suspension loop to the local latitude. The pin-hole on the gnomon is then set for the date. The dial is suspended and turned until the spot of light from the gnomon falls on the hour ring, giving the time.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-102-650-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1875.27.3
• Date: Around 1760
  c. 1760
  
• Material: Sundial
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Sundial
  
• Subject: 20. TIME MEASUREMENT, Sundials (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Samuel Saunders, London (Maker)
  
• Where: England, London
  
• Event:
• Description: Brass sundial by Samuel Saunders, London, c. 1760
  
• References:
  • For Samuel Saunders (II), fl. 1755-1783, see Clifton, Gloria, Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851. London: 1995, p 244 
• Translations:
• Related Records: