inclining cube sundial
Date: 1777-1800
Inventory Number: 7886
Classification: Sundial
Dimensions:16.6 x 10 x 8 cm (6 9/16 x 3 15/16 x 3 1/8 in.)
DescriptionThe inclining polyhedral dial is shaped as a cube. The cube is made of a wood block attached to wooden hinge on a pedestal that is mounted on a rectangular platform. The platform has four feet.
The top and sides of the cube are covered in hand-colored, printed paper with decorations and dial furniture. There are 5 brass gnomons, one for each sundial. All gnomons are set for latitude 50°, but by inclining the cube, the user can make the instrument work at other latitudes. The sundials include:
___an inclining horizontal sundial with hours marked IIII-XII-VIII, by 1/4 hours. Decorations include wreaths of flowers and garlands.
___an inclining, direct south, vertical sundial, marked VI-XII-VII by 1/4 hours, and labeled "SUD." Decorations include wreaths of flowers and garlands.
___an inclining, direct north, vertical sundial, marked IIII-VIII and IIII-VIII by 1/4 hours, and labeled "NORD." Decorations include wreaths of flowers and garlands.
___an inclining, direct east, vertical sundial, marked IIII-XI by 1/4 hours. Decorations include the image of a young gentleman and lady holding a ribbon marked with degrees 10°-80°, every 1°. This is for use with a plumb line to set the dial for the correct latitude. The plumb line and brass bob are present. There is another degree scale, running 20°-80°, every 1°, along the lower edge of this face of the cube.
___an inclining, direct west, vertical sundial, marked I-VIII, by 1/4 hours. Decorations include a young gentleman and lady holding a garland of flowers.
The base of the dial consists of the rectangular block of wood sitting on four feet. A magnetic compass is set into the wood. The wind rose is printed on paper and has 8 points labeled with German names and initials. There is a magnetic declination scale of 0°-40°, divided every 2°. An arrow for declination is set at 22°W. The rose is hand-colored green and rose.
The rest of the base is covered on top with hand-colored paper ornamented with a cornucopia of flowers, garlands. On the underside of the base, there is a brass wire, and the numeral "3" in crayon.