Context (Found together / assemblage)
Found as one of twelve objects (1919.60, 1921.63.60.1-2. 1921.63.65, 1921.63.78.1-3, 1921.63.128, 1921.232.1-4, 1924.663, 1942.93, E 1901.149, TEMP.00899, TEMP.00900 and TEMP.00901) in a box labelled 'COMPASSES SUNDIALS CALENDARS' and with a note inside reading 'NO PROV COMPASS'.
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Context (Related Documents)
Cf. a cutting affixed to the back of the catalogue card for 1919.59, reading: 'Professor HUGHES also exhibited a Universal Ring Dial of English make and bearing the inscription "Henry Sutton fecit, 1660." This form of dial is a variety of Astrolabe derived from the Mariners Ring. The Common Ring Dial is supposed not to have been in common use in England until the middle of the 17th century, and the Universal Ring Dial is said by Seller to have been invented by Ed. Wright, who died in 1615.'
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Description (Labels & Markings)
A handwritten label affixed to the object with cord reads: 'Shepherd's watch Cumberland.'
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Description (Labels & Markings)
A handwritten label affixed to the object with string reads: '1919.60. Common Ring Dial. Hughes. Coll. George Hughes MA.'
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Context (Display)
Catalogue card notes (in added pencil on the front side): 'In case in Babington gallery.'
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Description (Inscription)
The outer surface of the dial is inscribed with the initials of the twelve months on either side of the central slit. The inner surface is inscribed with lines and numbers for the hours from 1 to 12.
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Context (Production / use)
Catalogue card notes: 'XVIIth Century.'
Event Date
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card: 'Brass Universal Ring dial.'
Event Date
Author: maa

Context (Related Documents)
Catalogue card notes: 'Cf. Ann. Rept. 1920, p. 8.'. This Annual Report entry reads: '1919.59-61. Three astronomical instruments, viz.: a universal ring-dial (d. 4".1), inscribed "Hen Sutton fecit 1660", of bronze; a brass ring-dial of the seventeenth century; and a mariner's compass with gnomon, of the early eighteenth century (Hughes Collection). George Hughes, M.A.'
Event Date 1920
Author: David Kay

Context (Analysis)
Cf. a collection of similar 'ring-dials' held by the University of Oxford History of Science Museum (joint accession number:1924-0/part), which are assigned 18th century dates. Although the catalogue card for this object assigns it a 17th century date, the Period field has here been filled as 'Post Medieval; ?17th century; ?18th century', as either century seems plausible.
Event Date 30/4/2019
Author: David Kay

Context (Analysis)
The catalogue card for this object has information written on both sides. There appears to have been some confusion between this object and 1919.59, as the following details on the front of the card (some consequently crossed out) seem to refer to that object: 'Universal', '(4".1)' and 'Inscribed.' [Cf. Context note re. Annual Report entry.] The information on the back of the card, however, omits these additions and appears to more accurately reference this specific object.
Event Date 30/4/2019
Author: David Kay

Description (Physical description)
Ring sundial, with the outer surface is marked with a central circumferential groove, with one section cut through entirely to form a narrow slit, and a suspension loop on one side. The months of the year are marked either side of the slit. A sliding ring is inset within the groove, with a small square knob and single perforation to allow sunlight to pass through the slit and onto the inner surface. The inner surface is inscribed with lines and numbers for the hours from one to twelve.
Event Date 30/4/2019
Author: David Kay