We have a tendency to overlook
the ingenuity and intelligence of
our forefathers...

until we see a device such as this. Highly accurate, they were far superior to any other method of determining time from the sun.

This beautiful and fascinating instrument works with latitude and time of year to give correct time almost to the minute. Turned from solid brass, this version of the 18th-century English ring dial comes with display stand.

Instructions

• Set the sliding suspension ring for the correct latitude of your area. This can be found on most road maps.
• If you are in the northern hemisphere, use the "N" side of the ring dial. If you are in the southern hemisphere, use the "S" side. The equator is 0 degrees and the respective poles are 90 degrees.
• Open the hour ring all the way to the stop.
• Set the cursor as close as possible to the correct month and day marked on the bridge. The equinox line is in the center of the bridge.
• Suspend the ring dial from a string passing through the suspension ring, at an angle to the sun that will cause the bridge to cast a shadow on the hour ring.
• A tiny point of light will appear on the inside of the hour ring giving the correct time to within a few minutes. The bridge swivels to help the user find and focus the point of light.

Place an Order		Size: 2-1/2 inches in diameter. Price: $125.00

Developed by Empire Web Pages on April 10, 1998.