Equinoctial Dial - 14.5cm

An unsigned but French equinoctial sundial, late 19th century, interesting for its large size of 14.5cm at its widest with the two water levels. The plate measures 13cm in width and the case 15×16.5cm. The dial, of curved octagonal shape, is constructed of brass, copper, steel and silver-plated brass. A large compass, with its original large hand, is embedded in the center of the eight-sided plate. The hour dial, in the form of an open ring, is adjustable in inclination according to the latitude of the observation site. The degree of latitude is given by a foldable arc, graduated in degrees from 0° to 90°. The gnomon is hinged. On the top of the plate, four names of the main cities of Europe and Russia, and their latitude, Paris, London, Brussels and Saint Petersburg. On the back of the plate: 14 other cities and their latitude: Dublin, Edinburgh, Madrid, Moscow, Algiers, Constantinople, Rome, Berlin, Vienna, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Cairo and Geneva. Although the gnomon is very slightly twisted at its end, very good original condition. Rare model of this size and not very common with its transport box.