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Universal equinoctial ring dial
Universal equinoctial ring dial for all latitudes. Standard dial (see related terms) except for the following details:-
On the latitude scale, which is divided clockwise from top 0°-90°-0°-90°-0°, 'S' and 'N' are marked either side of the top zero, and there is a scale for determining the solar altitude and zenith distance. On the obverse side and the inner-rim of the equinoctial ring is an hour scale, and the reverse is blank apart from the signature: 'Nat. Witham Fecit.' There is a date scale, a zodiac scale and a declination scale. The equinoxes are marked at 9 ½ March and 11 September and there is a wheatsheaf pattern along the outer edges of the bridge bars.
The use of wheatsheaves as decoration are a common feature on English instruments of the 18th century.
For more information regarding this dial please refer to the OUP & NMM catalogue, 'Sundials at Greenwich'.
On the latitude scale, which is divided clockwise from top 0°-90°-0°-90°-0°, 'S' and 'N' are marked either side of the top zero, and there is a scale for determining the solar altitude and zenith distance. On the obverse side and the inner-rim of the equinoctial ring is an hour scale, and the reverse is blank apart from the signature: 'Nat. Witham Fecit.' There is a date scale, a zodiac scale and a declination scale. The equinoxes are marked at 9 ½ March and 11 September and there is a wheatsheaf pattern along the outer edges of the bridge bars.
The use of wheatsheaves as decoration are a common feature on English instruments of the 18th century.
For more information regarding this dial please refer to the OUP & NMM catalogue, 'Sundials at Greenwich'.
For more information about using images from our Collection, please contact RMG Images.
Object Details
| ID: | AST0365 |
|---|---|
| Collection: | Astronomical and navigational instruments |
| Type: | Universal equinoctial ring dial |
| Display location: | Not on display |
| Creator: | Witham, Nathaniel |
| Date made: | circa 1715 |
| Credit: | National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection |
| Measurements: | Overall: 5.5 x 188.5 mm |