Equinoctial dial

Universal equinoctial dial for latitudes 5°-87° North. On the obverse side of the silver base-plate is a table of latitudes for towns in France. The reverse side is plain apart from the maker's signature, 'Nourry ALyon'. Hinged to the North side of the base-plate is the hour-circle segment, also made of silver and numbered clockwise III-XII, I-IX. The hinge is decorated and there is a gilt-brass strut across the East-West diameter supporting the gilt-brass rod gnomon. An arrow on the outer rim indicates the latitude against the latitude arc, which is hinged to the West side of the base-plate.

A gilt-brass compass is set on top of the base-plate. It is silvered inside, an 'M' (Meridies) marks South, and an engraved arrow marks the magnetic variation at 10° West of North. The needle is in the form of an arrow and is surmounted by a brass pyramidal pivot. A glass plate covers all. The dial has a black oval fishskin case with pink silk lining and a brass push-button clasp. This dial is similar in style to AST0500 and to AST0371.

For more information regarding this dial please refer to the OUP & NMM catalogue, 'Sundials at Greenwich'.

Object Details

ID: AST0483
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Equinoctial dial
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Nourry, Jean
Date made: circa 1672
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 54.5 x 44.5 x 7 mm
Parts: Equinoctial dial
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