Cary Portable Equinoctial Sundial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1820
This brass portable equinoctial sundial is signed Cary, London and dates to circa 1820 according to the seller. Supported on a glazed compass base with three threaded knurled leveling screws and internal spirit levels, the instrument incorporates a silvered chapter ring engraved with Roman hour numerals and five-minute divisions.
The hinged chapter ring connects to a curved latitude inclinometer arc and mounts a folding brass gnomon. The source reports that the dial assembly folds flat into an accompanying velvet-lined and leather-bound case.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Case
- Leather bound and velvet lined with three brass hooks
- Type
- Scientific instrument
- Signature
- Cary, London
- Graduations
- Five-minute increments
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Place of Origin
- England
- Chapter Ring Finish
- Engraved and silvered
- Date of Manufacture
- 1820
- Maker / attribution
- Cary, London
Design
- Visible features
- • Silvered chapter ring engraved with Roman numerals from III to XII to IX and fractional graduations. • Graduated curved brass latitude arc marked with degree divisions up to 60. • Slender central gnomon standing upright across the center of the chapter ring. • Circular compass base housing a blued and silvered compass rose with at least one visible tube spirit level. • Base rim equipped with three outrigged threaded knurled leveling feet.
- Identity and Attribution
- The instrument is identified by the inscription 'Cary, London' on the dial face. It is described as a portable equinoctial sundial. The seller assigns a manufacture date of 1820 and attributes the object to the London instrument makers Cary.
- Base and Leveling Mechanism
- The dial assembly is supported on a compass base, which incorporates spirit levels to facilitate horizontal alignment. The base is leveled using three threaded feet. The compass features a locking mechanism for the needle and is intended to be oriented toward north during use.
- Documentation and Condition
- The source describes an accompanying leather-bound, velvet-lined case secured with three brass hooks, though this item is not shown in the provided images. The brass surfaces exhibit wear to the original lacquer.
- Construction and Dial Assembly
- The sundial features a brass construction. The chapter rings are silvered and engraved with Roman numerals and five-minute increments. A folding brass gnomon is mounted to the assembly. A curved latitude inclinometer is used to set the chapter ring angle, which rests in a slot on the side of the ring.
Identification
- Reference
- LU9752921779
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Date of 1820 and original case are seller-reported details not independently verifiable from this photograph alone.
- Research required: Case mentioned in source text is not depicted in this image.
- Research required: Minor surface wear, patina, and tarnishing visible on brass surfaces.