Providence  

Sundial: 860
State/Province:  Rhode Island Country:  USA
Dial Type:  Armillary Sphere Condition:  Excellent
  Latitude and Longitude: 41° 49.578' N  71° 24.294' W
Location:
  • The dial is on permanent display in the Lownes Room at the John Hay Library along with the 1769 Benjamin West telescope on the campus of Brown University 20 Prospect Street, Providence RI 02912

    Lownes Room is occasionally open for public lectures - call(401) 863-2148
 
Description:
  • This 18th century dial is made by Benjamin Martin an instrument maker in London. It is bronze, approximately 18 inches in diameter. The gnomon rod is held by an meridian circle attached to a heavy bronze pedestal with three legs. The horizontal time ring, held by the meridian ring and an east-west ring as well, is engraved with Roman numerals.
 
General Information:Inscription:
  • Owner: Brown University
  • The only marks on the sundial are "B Martin, London". The pedestal underside is plain and unfinished.
  • Designer: Benjamin Martin, London, near Crane Court in Fleet Street
  • Builder: Benjamin Martin, London, near Crane Court in Fleet Street
  • Construction Date: Circa 1770
 
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Last Revised: 2017-07-31 21:05