Sundial

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This brass horizontal sundial was made in 1728 by Joseph Williamson, a craftsman based in Aberdeen.

The sundial has a detachable pierced brass gnomon and a small vane whose shadow gives the date by the sun's altitude at noon. The dial is inscribed 'Latitude of Aberdeen 57 deg. 10 min', 'Joseph Williamson Fecit / 1728.' and 'D / J*G'.

In 1727, Joseph Williamson was made a freeman of the Aberdeen goldsmiths' guild, according to an entry in the Register of Burgesses of Guild and Trade in the Burgh of Aberdeen. This would have enabled him to make and sell items within the burgh.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-734-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1975.171
• Date: 1728
  
• Material: Brass. Inscription: Latitude of Aberdeen 57 deg. 10 min Joseph Williamson Fecit / 1728 D / J*G
  Sundial, horizontal
  
• Dimensions: 318 mm D
  
• What: Sundial, horizontal
  
• Subject: 20. TIME MEASUREMENT, Sundials (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Joseph Williamson (Maker)
  
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen
  Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen
  
• Event:
• Description: Horizontal sundial made by Joseph Williamson, Aberdeen, 1728
  
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