Lot Essay
A similar instrument was sold at Sotheby's London, 24 October 2007, lot 200. The present instrument differs in that the arc is marked for latitudes and has a device for tilting.
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MADE IN BRITISH INDIA, 19TH CENTURY
Details
A Persian-inscribed sundial
Made in British India, 19th century
the semi-cylindrical body carrying two scales with stamped markings and Persian inscription giving date of 1293AH [i.e. 1876AD], the upper hour scale 7-12-5 divided to 5 minutes, the lower scale numbered 1,3,5...15,2,4...14 with divisions to ¼ below this a serial(?) number 148, a curved arm for latitudes 0°-53°, numbered by 10° divided by 1°, loops for (missing) cross wires, fittings for (missing) plumb bobs, a gnomon(?) perpendicular to axis of the cylinder marked 6,7,8,9 with division to ¼, simple compass with blue needle, three screw feet.
5½in. (14.5cm.) high
Made in British India, 19th century
the semi-cylindrical body carrying two scales with stamped markings and Persian inscription giving date of 1293AH [i.e. 1876AD], the upper hour scale 7-12-5 divided to 5 minutes, the lower scale numbered 1,3,5...15,2,4...14 with divisions to ¼ below this a serial(?) number 148, a curved arm for latitudes 0°-53°, numbered by 10° divided by 1°, loops for (missing) cross wires, fittings for (missing) plumb bobs, a gnomon(?) perpendicular to axis of the cylinder marked 6,7,8,9 with division to ¼, simple compass with blue needle, three screw feet.
5½in. (14.5cm.) high
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.