Rare Dipleidoscope by E.J. Dent in case.
£1,350
Circa
1840
Country of manufacture
UK and Ireland
Description
A rare Dipleidoscope by Edwrad John Dent comprising of thick sheet brass base with attached spirit level, compass needle for orienting the system North/South, and a brass cone 2-1/2″ diameter containing two reflective surfaces to indicate when the sun is at the meridian. With a round engraved brass cover for the face of the cone, levelling screw and two fixed legs on the base. In square mahogany case ( 35 x 30 x 9 cm ). Dent’s meridian instrument or dipleidoscope, made by E.I. DENT, 82 Strand & 33 Cockspur Street, London (1840-1843). When placed in the observer’s meridian, towards noon, two rays of sunlight, closing in, are seen in the prism. The moment they coincide, is the exact moment of noon. The dipleidoscope was invented in 1843 by James MACKENZIE BLOXAM and produced by Dent in several varieties.
A couple of tiny nicks to the compass glass, the compass locking bar lacking the small strip to lock the compass. The case with inset brass corners. Circa 1840.
