Reproduction of a universal equinoctial ring sundial from the 18th century.
This ring sundial is a sundial that allows you to determine the time anywhere, as long as the sun is shining.
Unlike a normal sundial, which must be aligned and requires the exact direction of north to be known, the ring sundial does not need this information.
However, the latitude is required; it can be used in both hemispheres and at any latitude from 20 to 75 degrees.
Originally invented in the early 17th century by the English mathematician William Oughtred, it was a further development of an earlier instrument, the Astronomical Ring. This was used to measure the height of stars or terrestrial objects.
Until around 1800, it was a cutting-edge instrument, but was then replaced by more specialised and precise instruments.
First, the latitude must be set on the outer ring.
Secondly, the date must be selected using the movable parts in the middle.
Then the inner ring must be turned until it can no longer be turned.
Hang the sun ring on the cord so that the sun's rays shine through the small hole in the centre and hit the centre of the inner ring.
The attention to detail, historical interest and beauty of the design are the hallmarks of this very attractive ring sundial. It comes complete with a wooden base and instructions.
