Universal equinoctial ring dial for all latitudes. Standard dial (see related terms) except for the following details:-

A suspension ring is attached to the bracket by means of a hook. The bracket moves in the grooved rim of the meridian ring, on which is a degree scale. Both sides of the equinoctial ring are plain; on its inner-rim is an hour scale. One side of the bridge has a zodiacal scale with the corresponding dates for entry into signs engraved; the other side has a declination scale. The pinhole gnomon has indexes that move over the bridge scales.

The dial has a round mahogany case with green baize lining. Enclosed within is a manuscript giving the entry for this instrument from Mayer's 'Dictionnaire Francais illustre et Encyclopedie universelle' (Paris, Michel Levy freres, 1860 in 40), Tome I, p. 128.

This is the only signed Dutch universal equinoctial ring dial in the collection. There is no hour scale on the main faces of the equinoctial ring, which is unusual. The bridge has no date scale, but rather gives the dates of entry of the sun into the zodiac signs. Judging by the manuscript in the case, the instrument was probably in French ownership for a considerable length of time. The signature, 'C Metz Fecit', is on the obverse side of the meridian ring.

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