Universal equinoctial dial for latitudes 0°-85° North. Hinged to the North side of the dial-plate, the hour-circle, which is silvered, is numbered IIII-XII, I-VIII. Its inner rim is numbered [VI]-XII, I-[VI] and all the markings are enamelled in black. A thick brass rod gnomon supported by a brass strut is attached along the VI-VI line. The hour scale is not evenly divided because it has been offset in order to allow for a longer gnomon. The latitude arc is silvered and hinged to the East side of the dial-plate. It is engraved on the outside only and divided from the tip [0°]-[85°]. The compass degree scale is divided [0°]-[90°]-[0°]-[90°]-[0°]. It has a highly decorated four-point rose and the cardinal and quadrantal points are named by English initials. The needle has a small indentation to mark North and is surmounted by a brass cylindrical pivot. There is also a brass arm to lift the needle and lock it in position against the glass. Two brass bubble levels are set into the compass and a glass plate covers all.

The dial has a brown leather heart-shaped case with a leather strap and buckle. The signature, 'Cary, Strand', could denote any of a number of members of the Cary family who had a business in the Strand throughout the nineteenth century. This instrument was probably made before 1850.

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