26th Oct, 2011 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Implacable)
156
[M] AN UNUSUAL SILVER POCKET DECLINATION DIAL BY...
AN UNUSUAL SILVER POCKET DECLINATION DIAL BY D. FOURNIER, 1743
with 3¼in. diameter main plate signed and inscribed D. Fournier, Invt. & Ft. / Decr. 20 1743, central ?pin-hole sight engraved '6', the outer ring divided I-XII in each upper and lower half which is also marked with compass points, the inner ring divided 0-90º in each quadrant, also inscribed with star symbols at 30º intervals, four horizontal sets of rhumb lines divided between 1-11 marked above central indicator with semi-circular ballast divided 'VI-XII-VI' with indicator to inner ring, the main plate's cardinal point and lower edge of volvelle ballast inscribed 'SR' and 'NM' alternately, the reverse unmarked -- 4in. (10.2cm.) high
D. Fournier is unrecorded but the English terminology suggest he was possibly a French journeyman. What this ingenious and well-made instrument's purpose was has yet to be fully explained.
with 3¼in. diameter main plate signed and inscribed D. Fournier, Invt. & Ft. / Decr. 20 1743, central ?pin-hole sight engraved '6', the outer ring divided I-XII in each upper and lower half which is also marked with compass points, the inner ring divided 0-90º in each quadrant, also inscribed with star symbols at 30º intervals, four horizontal sets of rhumb lines divided between 1-11 marked above central indicator with semi-circular ballast divided 'VI-XII-VI' with indicator to inner ring, the main plate's cardinal point and lower edge of volvelle ballast inscribed 'SR' and 'NM' alternately, the reverse unmarked -- 4in. (10.2cm.) high
D. Fournier is unrecorded but the English terminology suggest he was possibly a French journeyman. What this ingenious and well-made instrument's purpose was has yet to be fully explained.
Sold for £2,728
Estimated at £600 - £800
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
AN UNUSUAL SILVER POCKET DECLINATION DIAL BY D. FOURNIER, 1743
with 3¼in. diameter main plate signed and inscribed D. Fournier, Invt. & Ft. / Decr. 20 1743, central ?pin-hole sight engraved '6', the outer ring divided I-XII in each upper and lower half which is also marked with compass points, the inner ring divided 0-90º in each quadrant, also inscribed with star symbols at 30º intervals, four horizontal sets of rhumb lines divided between 1-11 marked above central indicator with semi-circular ballast divided 'VI-XII-VI' with indicator to inner ring, the main plate's cardinal point and lower edge of volvelle ballast inscribed 'SR' and 'NM' alternately, the reverse unmarked -- 4in. (10.2cm.) high
D. Fournier is unrecorded but the English terminology suggest he was possibly a French journeyman. What this ingenious and well-made instrument's purpose was has yet to be fully explained.
with 3¼in. diameter main plate signed and inscribed D. Fournier, Invt. & Ft. / Decr. 20 1743, central ?pin-hole sight engraved '6', the outer ring divided I-XII in each upper and lower half which is also marked with compass points, the inner ring divided 0-90º in each quadrant, also inscribed with star symbols at 30º intervals, four horizontal sets of rhumb lines divided between 1-11 marked above central indicator with semi-circular ballast divided 'VI-XII-VI' with indicator to inner ring, the main plate's cardinal point and lower edge of volvelle ballast inscribed 'SR' and 'NM' alternately, the reverse unmarked -- 4in. (10.2cm.) high
D. Fournier is unrecorded but the English terminology suggest he was possibly a French journeyman. What this ingenious and well-made instrument's purpose was has yet to be fully explained.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Implacable), 26th Oct, 2011
