Description

An early 18th Sundial signed “P.re Le Maire”

Brass

Dimension: 9 x 5.8 cm (3 ½” x 2 ¼”); case 10 x 8 cm (4 x 3 ¼”)

A very good sundial by his inventor, in perfect working condition. It comes with an old associated case.

—

Pierre Le Maire I (w1672 – 1745) son of Nicolas, worked at “La Pierre d’Aimant”, Rue de Bourbon (1698) and Quai de l’Horloge en 1700

He is known for a quite large range of instruments, such as sundials, graphometer, drawing instruments.

This type of dial was invented by him.

The rectangular plate is supported by four levelling screws, carrying a compass (needle working) and a hinged plumb-bob for best levelling. A sliding cursor allows to fix the string to the requested latitude. Eleven French and European localities are engraved. The string can be adjusted by a screw, according to the height of the tilting arm.

Nice floral decoration throughout.

Ref. Delalande “Cadrans Solaires” (Paris, 2013) p. 142-3

Please note : the case is an antique one, not originally ‘ born” with the sundial.

The whole dial can be exactly placed and the cover can be closed.