German column sundial

From Object Wiki

German column sundial
Manufacturer	(unknown)
Production years	1550
Production location	Augsburg, Germany

This is of gilt bronze and was made in Augsburg, Germany, about 1550. It consists of a vertical cylinder mounted upon a cubical box and the time is indicated upon the sides of the box as well as on the cylindrical surface.

[edit] How it works

On the top of the cylinder there is a horizontal gnomon mounted on a loose cap which is adjusted by rotation of the sun’s position in the zodiac. The instrument is then turned until the shadow of the gnomon is vertical, and the tip of the shadow will indicate the time by reference to a series of inclined hour lines on the cylinder. As, however, the measurement depends upon the sun’s altitude, which is the same at approximately equal intervals of time before noon and afternoon, it is necessary to know whether the sun is east or west of the meridian, and a magnetic compass consequently forms part of the instrument. The time is indicated on the faces of the cubical box by the positions of the tips of the shadows of short horizontal styles. This instrument is for a latitude of 480, and the cap, gnomon, and styles are not the originals. Representations of men taking various observations are engraved on the sides of the box.

[edit] Memories

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[edit] In the Science Museum's Records

Inv. No: 1883-124