Equatorial Sundial by Lorenz Grassl
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1750-1800
This equatorial sundial, or equinoctial sundial, was produced in Augsburg, Germany, by maker Lorenz Grassl between circa 1750 and 1800. The device features a brass dial assembly housed within a round wooden case, which includes a hinged lid and a brass clasp mechanism.
The dial itself consists of an octagonal brass base incised with floral motifs and geometric patterning, and incorporates an integral compass. The central timekeeping mechanism includes a hinged brass circle calibrated in degrees and a needle gnomon, which is intended to be positioned parallel to the Earth's axis. The instrument is further marked with geographical latitude elevations for specific European locations, including Naples, Rome, Ingolstadt, and Strasburg, identifying it as an object designed for use across multiple regional jurisdictions.
It was acquired by the museum via a transfer from the National Gallery of Victoria in 1939.
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
- Type
- Equatorial sundial
- Maker
- Lorenz Grassl
- Material
- Brass and wood
- Acquisition
- Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria in 1939
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Case dimensions
- 6 cm diameter
- Latitude references
- Naples, Rome, Ingolstadt, Strasburg
- Maker / attribution
- Lorenz Grassl
- Registration Number
- ST 20999
- Place of manufacture
- Augsburg, Germany
Design
- Visible features
- • The wooden case appears circular with a side-mounted metal clasp. • The dial assembly is hinged to fold flat within the case. • The base plate of the dial features distinct engraved floral decorations. • A small compass is visible embedded in the central portion of the dial base.
- Construction and Design
- The sundial is constructed with an octagonal brass base that functions as the foundation for the timekeeping components. This base is embellished with four floral designs and a series of incised lines and dots. A compass is affixed directly below the base, allowing for proper orientation during use. The entire assembly fits within a round wooden case, equipped with a brass clasp and hinge to protect the dial when not in use. The gnomon consists of a needle set perpendicular to the diameter of the brass circle. The circle is hinged to the base and passes through a curved scale calibrated in degrees from 10 to 80, marked in Arabic numerals, which facilitates the adjustment of the dial to the user's specific latitude. Roman numerals are used to indicate the hours for the Northern Hemisphere.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The object was previously held by the National Gallery of Victoria. It was transferred to the current collection in February 1939. It is catalogued under the registration number ST 20999. The documentation provided by the collection notes the measurement of the object in its closed box configuration as 6.3 cm in length, 5.8 cm in width, and 3 cm in height. The overall diameter of the object is recorded as 6 cm.
- Inscriptions and Functionality
- The device is intended to function as an equatorial or equinoctial sundial. Its primary design allows the gnomon to be set parallel to the Earth's axis, while the ring is positioned parallel to the plane of the equator. The rear of the instrument is inscribed with specific geographical details to assist the user. The text indicates that the dial was intended for use in several locations, listing 'Neapolis' (Naples), 'Rom' (Rome), 'Strasburg', and 'Ingolstadt' along with a numerical indicator of 48. The maker's name, 'L. Grassl', is also engraved on the reverse.
Identification
- 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: The exact year of manufacture is not specified beyond the broad range of 1750-1800.
- Research required: The full list of latitude settings on the base plate is not entirely visible in the available imagery.