Lot 45
45
An extremely rare, possibly unique, late 18th-Century Irish standing universal equinoctial ring dial,
TIME-MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
An extremely rare, possibly unique, late 18th-Century Irish standing universal equinoctial ring dial,

Details
An extremely rare, possibly unique, late 18th-Century Irish standing universal equinoctial ring dial,
signed on the horizontal plate Made by James Barry Mathematical Instrument Maker Opposite St Pauls Church *CORKE*, the equinoctial ring adjusted by rack and pinion motion gearing, one side with two latitude scales divided 0°-90° with sub-divisions to ½° (30" of arc), with shaped carrying handle, the meridian circle divided in four quadrants, the hour ring divided I-XII (x2) sub-divided in 3 minute divisions, the inner edge with associated similarly divided scale, the bridge with sliding pin-hole sight, zodiac and calendar scales, raised on two shaped supports from the horizontal plate with compass box, the finely engraved compass dial with foliate decoration to the cardinal points and cross bubble, steel edge-bar needle with jewelled cap, and counterbalance weight, the glazed compass with cover, mounted on a turned, stepped base with facility for 360° rotation on three adjustable screw feet (one a replacement) -- 15½in. (39.4cm.) high

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