cruciform sundial
Date: 1775-1825
Inventory Number: 7400
Classification: Sundial
Dimensions:13.2 x 10.3 x 20 cm (5 3/16 x 4 1/16 x 7 7/8 in.)
DescriptionThe portable, wooden cruciform sundial is inclined 41° and so set up for latitude 49°. Hours are marked from 4-12-8 around the arms of the cross in the usual way. They are divided into 1/2 hour intervals. A brass figure of Jesus on the Cross is attached to the crucifix, which is labeled "INRI" above the figure.
This wooden cruciform sundial leans on an altar with three steps. The top of the altar has a magnetic compass inset into table top of the altar. The compass has a paper, hand-colored wind rose of 8 points, labeled with the German names of the cardinal directions and German initials for the other points. The compass has a magnetic declination scale running 0°-40° every 2° west, with an arrow set at 22° W. The needle is missing. The compass bowl is unglued to the table top, which is unglued to the altar.
The back of the altar has an ivory plate with a sundial. This is a direct, south-facing vertical dial marked with hours 6-12-5. The scale should read 6-12-6, but the numerals 1-5 have been wrongly inscribed, each being shifted one hour later. The hour line for 1 o'clock is unmarked.
The altar and cross rest on a rectangular base.