Crescent dial

Crescent dial for latitudes 0°-90° North. The dial-plate is gilt-brass while the leg and levelling screws are silver. The hour-plate is also gilt-brass, with a silver date scale and hour scales, but the gnomon is possibly steel. The latitude arc and plumb-bob support are silver, but the bob is gilt-brass. The dial displays a perpetual calendar and a table of latitudes, titled 'Elevation Poly' which provides a fairly large list of places in Europe. It is engraved 'Masig a Londen 52' on the obverse side of the dial-plate. Masig was the London agent of a number of dial makers. The maker of this dial was probably either Johann Martin or Johann Willebrand.

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

Object Details

ID: AST0352
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Crescent dial
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Martin, Johann; Willebrand, Johann Matthias
Date made: circa 1700
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 15 x 61 x 62 mm