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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Horological object · Paris

Cadran solaire cylindrique

Verified

Pillar sundial (Cylindrical sundial). Inscribed sundial: À Paris, Henry Robert, clockmaker at the Palais-Royal, No. 164. No. 37 engraved on the top of the gnomon support. Mid-19th century.

Technical facts

Inventory number
MIH V-35
Object type
Not recorded
Place of production
Paris
Dating
1850 - 1860
Materials and techniques (catalogue wording)
Bois, papier, métal
Dimensions (catalogue)
diam.: 80.7 mm; D : 32 mm H : 125 mm
Inscriptions (catalogue)
A Paris, Henry Robert, horloger au Palais-Royal, N° 164.; (Cadran); N° 37 (Sommet du support du style)

Historical significance

  • Pillar sundial (Cylindrical sundial). Inscribed sundial: À Paris, Henry Robert, clockmaker at the Palais-Royal, No. 164. No. 37 engraved on the top of the gnomon support. Mid-19th century.
  • This sundial comprises a boxwood cylinder covered in printed paper and a steel blade that fits inside the cylinder. It indicates the time according to the height of the sun when measured in one particular place. The shadow of the sun moves across hour lines printed on the cylinder. These vary according to the season and are calculated here for latitude 49°.
  • This type of sundial is very simple to use and does not need a compass. Also called a shepherd's dial, it sold for five francs in 1849 in Paris.

Photographs

Cadran solaire cylindrique (MIH V-35)
Cadran solaire cylindrique (MIH V-35) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
Cadran solaire cylindrique (MIH V-35)
Cadran solaire cylindrique (MIH V-35) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record
Cadran solaire cylindrique (MIH V-35)
Cadran solaire cylindrique (MIH V-35) — Musée international d'horlogerie, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Museum collection photograph, rights review pending. MIH collection record

Photographs are illustrative examples of the type, not necessarily the exact object described. Verify details against the source file page.

Sources & references

  1. Musée international d'horlogerie, online collection record, inv. V-35: https://collection.mih.ch/fr/collection/item/29909/

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.