Nicolaus Rugendas Portable Equinoctial Augsburg Dial with Compass
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1730
This portable equinoctial Augsburg sundial is signed by Nicolaus Rugendas of Augsburg and dated by the source to circa 1730. Constructed with an octagonal gilt brass plate, it incorporates an inset central compass marked with Latin cardinal points and a revolving magnetic declination disc.
The instrument features a crescent-shaped hinged silvered latitude sector calibrated from 20 to 90 degrees, an elevated hour ring, a central rod gnomon, and a folding plummet for leveling. According to the source, the back features a silvered plate engraved with latitudes for 43 world cities, and the instrument rests on three turned gilt brass feet.
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 (equinoctial sundial)
- Dimensions
- 60 x 55 mm
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Latitude Sector
- 20 to 90 degrees
- Maker Signature
- Nicolaus Rugendas, Augspurg
- Underside and Feet
- Plate engraved with latitudes of 43 world cities, three turned feet
- Maker / attribution
- Nicolaus Rugendas
Design
- Visible features
- • Octagonal gilt brass plate framing a central circular compass well • Folding hour ring and central gnomon rod raised above the base • Curved silvered latitude sector hinged on the base plate • Plummet bracket visible mounted on the opposite edge • Engraved inscription beginning 'NICOLAUS' visible on the base plate
- Maker and Attribution
- The instrument is signed "Nicolaus Rugendas, Augspurg" above the central compass. The source attributes the dial to Nicolaus Rugendas III (1665–1745) of the Augsburg clockmaking family. The signature includes the number '48', which the source identifies as the latitude of Augsburg. The date of production is cited as circa 1730.
- Physical Configuration
- This portable equinoctial sundial is characterized by an octagonal gilt brass base plate containing a central compass. The instrument includes a spring-loaded gnomon and a folding plummet for leveling purposes. The base is supported by three turned gilt brass feet. A fitted leather box is mentioned in the catalog record, though this item is not visible in the available documentation.
- Dial and Navigation Features
- The central compass well features a revolving magnetic declination disc and Latin markings for the cardinal points. A crescent-shaped silvered latitude sector is hinged to the base plate, featuring Arabic calibrations ranging from 20 to 90 degrees. The underside of the instrument comprises a silvered plate engraved with the latitudes of 43 world cities; this section is not visible in the provided imagery.
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 underside plate with city latitudes is not visible in the photograph
- Research required: The fitted leather box mentioned in the catalog description is not shown in the image