sundial
Object NamePolarization Sundial with Nicol Prism Polarization Analyzer
Made FromPlate Glass, Mahogany, Metal, Wood, Brass
TechniqueAssembled
SizeSee Individual Records
Accession Number2019.8.8
Curatorial Area(s)
Not On View
Physical DescriptionPolarization Sundial with Nicol Prism Polarization Analyzer. (A) Plate glass, mahogany wood, metal mounts; assembled. Polarization sundial constructed of two mahogany frames hinged to the mahogany base. The lower frame holds a black reflecting glass, which raises to 18 degrees to the horizontal and is held by a catch to the upper leaf, which is set to 52 degrees. The upper frame is set with a glass panel set with 15 selenite sections, which measure the direction of polarization of sunlight in the atmosphere (the hour given by the number closest to the selenite showing maximum color). (Ba) Brass Nicol prism analyzer set within a wood mount in a brass tube. (Bbc) Two-part brass tube-shaped case.Provenance
Source
Tesseract
- 2018-10-31-2019-09-04
Purchased from an estate sale through Flints Auctions Ltd., London. Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine. October 31, 2018. Lot 42: A Rare Charles Wheatstone Polarization Sundial by William H. Darker. Est.: £1,000-1,500. Sold: £1,000 to Tesseract, the current dealer.
Purchased from an estate sale through Flints Auctions Ltd., London. Fine Photographica & Instruments of Science & Medicine. October 31, 2018. Lot 42: A Rare Charles Wheatstone Polarization Sundial by William H. Darker. Est.: £1,000-1,500. Sold: £1,000 to Tesseract, the current dealer.
Former Collection
Tesseract
- 2011
Unknown sale price. Sold to English purchaser, who died in 2018.
Unknown sale price. Sold to English purchaser, who died in 2018.
about 1825
Parent/Child