Well, it is an authentic 19th century antique dating from about 1845.
Note the buyer's premium also.
I have several Dent Dipleidoscopes, including a rare Dent Universal
model. I gave a presentation on the Dent Dipleidoscope at the Harvard
conference of NASS in 2013. If anyone is interested, I can provide a pdf
of that presentation. The presentation includes history, detailed
explanation of operation and lots of pictures of the construction.
The Dent dipleidoscope provided an easy and inexpensive way to set
clocks at solar noon to an accuracy of better than tens of seconds, with
an achievable accuracy of about three seconds. Short of a noon transit
instrument at an observatory, it was the most accurate way to establish
time. Arguably, a hand-carried mechanical chronometer set that morning
at the Greenwich Observatory was also popular among bankers and
watchmakers in London, though it was a relatively expensive service.
But, the Dent Dipleidoscope could be used throughout England (and,
elsewhere) even on country estates. As the British trains began to run
with minute scheduling, accurate time became much more important!
Best of all, the Dent Dipleidoscope is astonishingly easy to use!
Larry McDavid
NASS Sundial Registrar
On 10/31/2014 9:07 AM, Tom Kreyche wrote:
I noticed that a Dipleidoscope is up for live auction on Ebay (USA) - this
seems to be a rare offering (not in my budget!).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIPLEIDOSCOPE-/231365300840?ssPageName=ADME:SS:SS:US:3160
LOT 1130
Seller's Estimate: USD 600.0 - 800.0
DIPLEIDOSCOPE - England, 19th century, brass and bronze. Brass and glass prism mechanism inset into a shaped
bronze case with scrolled sides. Engraved "Dent's Patent Meridian Instrument" and "67 Strand,
London". 3"h. 2.25"w. 3"d.
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