Rare mechanical equinoctial pocket sundial signed Nicolaus Rugedas Augustae made in Augsburg circa 1700
POA
Dimensions
dial = 4.4 x 1.6 cm ; case = 5.8 x 2.5 cm
Circa
1700
Maker
Nicolaus Rugedas
Country of manufacture
Germany
Description
Silver and gilt-brass mechanical equinoctial pocket sundial, for latitudes between 30 and 65 degrees north, made by Nicolas Rugendas III (1665-1745). It is housed in a black fish skin case with brass hinge and hooks.
The round silver case opens with a hinge. The outer faces are engraved with a list of cities and their latitudes inside a laurel wreath. All around, and on each side, there is a frieze of stylised leaves.
The inside reveals a compass, a silver and gilt-brass hour circle as well as a small graduated disc for latitudes from 30 to 65 degrees with a gilt-brass index and the inscription ‘Gradus Poli’. The compass, topped with glass and equipped with a blued steel needle with a brass pivot, is engraved with the four cardinal points and the magnetic declination (approximately 10° West). A small decoration surrounds the compass and scrolls are engraved on the plate. The hour circle, graduated in hours and equipped with a movable gnomon in gilt-brass, can be adjusted using the movable index thanks to a spring mechanism hidden inside the case.
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Dealer information
Galerie Delalande Paris
After 37 years in Le Louvre des Antiquaires, the Delalande gallery moved early June 2015 to 35 rue de Lille, 75007 Paris, on the other side of the Seine River in the well known antic shops area "le Carré Rive Gauche".
Our main specialties are, since 1976, Marine and Scientific instruments, Tobacco and Opium objects, Curiosities and Great Canes.
We participate to international antique fairs (TEFAF Maastricht) and are unique partner of the French Maritime Museum.
Eric Delalande is also Administrator of the French Experts National Company (C.N.E.).
Please visit also our two websites, which are frequently updated: www.antiquites-delalande.fr (French) and www.delalande-antiques.com (English). ----------------------------
La Galerie Delalande s'est installée en juin 2015 au 35 rue de Lille (75007 Paris), au coeur de la capitale dans le "Carré Rive Gauche", après 37 années de présence au Louvre des Antiquaires.
Nous nous sommes orientés, depuis 1976, vers plusieurs spécialités : Marine et Sciences, Objets du tabac et de l'Opium, Cannes de collection et Curiosités.
Nous participons à des salons d'envergure internationale (TEFAF Maastricht) et sommes partenaires exclusifs du Musée National de la Marine.
Eric Delalande est également Administrateur de la Compagnie Nationale des Experts (C.N.E.).
N'hésitez pas à visiter nos deux sites internet fréquemment mis à jour : www.antiquites-delalande.fr (Français) and www.delalande-antiques.com (Anglais).
