Universal equinoctial dial for latitudes 0°-76° North. The base is made of wood and covered with black paper. A small compass, inset with white card and printed in black, has eight points marked by English initials. The latitude arc consists of a paper-covered turned ebony pillar with a groove to hold the dial. A brass ring segment sits in the groove of the latitude arc, and across its diameter is a wire gnomon. Perpendicular to both the ring segment and the gnomon is the hour-plate, with its lower semicircle cut away. The hour scale continues around the inner rim of the cutaway section. The dial has a sturdy card box to hold the instrument when not in use which also acts as a base for it. On one side, it displays a table for correcting solar to civil time and on another it gives a representation of the dial in use.

This instrument not only provides an inexpensive, accurate equinoctial dial, but it also fits into a box which can be used for demonstrating the relationships within the metric system of measurement, all of which is carefully explained on the sides and interior of the box. A similar instrument, which still retains its plumb bob, is in the MHS, Oxford (new inventory no. 21316). On the hour-circle, it is printed, 'GEORGE PHILIP & SON. 32 FLEET STREET. E.C. LIVERPOOL: 45-51 S. CASTLE STREET. MADE IN GERMANY'.

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