Horary quadrant with Gunter projection

This is a horary quadrant marked with Gunter scales and a shadow square for surveying marked in the top third. Aside from the signature 'J C 1630', it has several unusual inscriptions. The front left shows the initials 'RF' and an image, possibly of a fox. Around the apex is 'Ut hora sic fugit vita tempus edax rerum'. This translates as 'When the hour of life passes time devours all'. The reverse shows a figure with a rose between his teeth within the engraving of the constellations of planispheric projection. This might be a self portrait of the maker or perhaps an image of King Charles I. All space around the planisphere is decorated with angels and dragons. It was made for the latitude of London.

Object Details

ID: NAV1050
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Horary quadrant with Gunter projection
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Chatfield, John
Date made: 1630
People: Chatfield, John
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 10 mm x 125 mm x 89 mm
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