Inclining dial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1750-1800
This brass and gilt-brass inclining dial is configured for latitudes between 0° and 60° North, combining European structural forms with Arabic inscriptions. The circular base houses a compass fitted with an eight-point rose, degree divisions using abjad numerals, and a leaf-shaped qibla pointer.
Hinged to the northern side of the base plate is an hour circle inscribed with Turkish numerals, supporting the gnomon on circular arcs. A hinged curved latitude scale facilitates inclination adjustment. The base plate rim lists nineteen Middle Eastern localities with their respective coordinates, and the side is inscribed with a Persian poem regarding constellations and qibla orientation.
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
- Scientific instrument
- Date made
- 1750-1800
- Materials
- Gilt-brass; Brass; Glass
- Latitude range
- 0°-60° North
- Compass features
- Eight-point rose, abjad numerals, and qibla pointer
- Overall dimensions
- 24 x 94.5 mm
Design
- Visible features
- • Hinged circular brass hour circle raised on circular arc supports with an integrated gnomon. • Glazed inset compass capsule visible in the center of the base plate. • Curved graduated latitude scale hinged at the perimeter of the base. • Engraved Arabic script and decorative motifs covering the rim and outer edge of the instrument.
- Operational Features
- The instrument includes a compass needle that can be secured by a radial brass arm, activated by an external lever. Prayer orientation is assisted by a leaf-shaped brass qibla pointer. Lists of nineteen locations in the Middle East, including their latitudes, inhirafs, and jihas, are engraved on the base-plate rim and the underside of the hour circle.
- Structural Identity and Design
- This instrument is a brass and gilt-brass inclining dial intended for use between 0° and 60° North. It is described as a mixture of typical European—possibly English—inclining dial architecture with an Arabic hand. The base contains a glazed compass with an eight-point rose and a degree scale using abjad numerals. An hour circle is hinged to the north side of the base, featuring Turkish numerals and a gnomon supported by circular arcs. A latitude arc is hinged to the east side, also featuring Turkish numerals.
- Epigraphy and Cultural Attribution
- The instrument is unsigned. Inscriptions include a Persian poem on the side of the base concerning constellations and the qibla. The center of the reverse side contains an inscription which the source identifies as reflecting a Shiite rather than Sunnite perspective, referencing a statement attributed to Ali.
Identification
- Reference
- AST0353
- 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 maker is unknown; the source notes an inscription indicates a Shiite cultural association, but the maker is unsigned.
- Research required: The source reports the object combines European inclining dial architecture with an Arabic hand, but the exact country of origin is not specified.