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Scaler Collection

"Scaling the Depths of Art

Background imageScaler Collection: Volvelle to show how to find the time, in hours and minutes, in which the Moon reaches one of its

Volvelle to show how to find the time, in hours and minutes, in which the Moon reaches one of its aspects
7340909 Volvelle to show how to find the time, in hours and minutes, in which the Moon reaches one of its aspects. The disc is fixed and is read by a wire in the centre

Background imageScaler Collection: Rules of the North Star, 16th century (manuscript)

Rules of the North Star, 16th century (manuscript)
7339147 Rules of the North Star, 16th century (manuscript) by Portuguese School, (16th century); 49x70.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: North Star rules)

Background imageScaler Collection: Volvelle illustrating the magnitude, start time and duration of eclipses

Volvelle illustrating the magnitude, start time and duration of eclipses, 1540 (hand-coloured engraving)
7340904 Volvelle illustrating the magnitude, start time and duration of eclipses, 1540 (hand-coloured engraving) by Apianus, Petrus (1495-1552); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Arctic tern and a wooden sextant found on Axel's Island, Spitsbergen, 20th century (watercolour)

Arctic tern and a wooden sextant found on Axel's Island, Spitsbergen, 20th century (watercolour)
7295533 Arctic tern and a wooden sextant found on Axel's Island, Spitsbergen, 20th century (watercolour) by Wyllie, William Lionel (1851-1931); 25.1x35.3 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Reading the chronograph at Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 19th century (engraving)

Reading the chronograph at Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 19th century (engraving)
7337545 Reading the chronograph at Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 19th century (engraving) by Unknown Artist, (19th century); 109.5x149.2x5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Mechanical equinox dial, for latitude 0-90 degrees, 18th century

Mechanical equinox dial, for latitude 0-90 degrees, 18th century
MMM5468898 Mechanical equinox dial, for latitude 0-90 degrees, 18th century; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Mechanical equinox dial, for latitude 0-90 degrees)

Background imageScaler Collection: Universal equinoxial ring dial, for all latitudes. Brass instrument, c.1715 (brass)

Universal equinoxial ring dial, for all latitudes. Brass instrument, c.1715 (brass)
MMM5475137 Universal equinoxial ring dial, for all latitudes. Brass instrument, c.1715 (brass); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Universal equinoxial ring dial, for all latitudes)

Background imageScaler Collection: Universal equinoxial dial for all latitudes, reverse, c.1695-1725 (copper)

Universal equinoxial dial for all latitudes, reverse, c.1695-1725 (copper)
MMM5475090 Universal equinoxial dial for all latitudes, reverse, c.1695-1725 (copper) by Culpeper, Edmund (1660-1738); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Sundial from Augsburg (Germany), deployed, for 10-degree latitude

Sundial from Augsburg (Germany), deployed, for 10-degree latitude. Brass instrument, c.1800-1843 (brass)
MMM5475067 Sundial from Augsburg (Germany), deployed, for 10-degree latitude. Brass instrument, c.1800-1843 (brass); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Sundial from Augsburg (Germany)

Background imageScaler Collection: Sundial with universal equinox ring, for all latitudes, 18th century (copper)

Sundial with universal equinox ring, for all latitudes, 18th century (copper)
MMM5470082 Sundial with universal equinox ring, for all latitudes, 18th century (copper); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Sundial with universal equinox ring, for all latitudes)

Background imageScaler Collection: Universal sundial for latitude 0-90 degrees, decorated with crowned eagles

Universal sundial for latitude 0-90 degrees, decorated with crowned eagles. Copper object, c.1635 (copper)
MMM5470074 Universal sundial for latitude 0-90 degrees, decorated with crowned eagles. Copper object, c.1635 (copper); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: An Islamic solar quadrant, 1870 (lacquered wood)

An Islamic solar quadrant, 1870 (lacquered wood)
MMM5470032 An Islamic solar quadrant, 1870 (lacquered wood); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: An Islamic solar quadrant)

Background imageScaler Collection: Analematic sundial (by projecting the shadow of the gnomon) for latitude 51 degrees

Analematic sundial (by projecting the shadow of the gnomon) for latitude 51 degrees, c.1697 (copper and steel)
MMM5469097 Analematic sundial (by projecting the shadow of the gnomon) for latitude 51 degrees, c.1697 (copper and steel); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Butterfield dial for latitude 35 degrees, built around a magnetic compass, 17th century (silver)

Butterfield dial for latitude 35 degrees, built around a magnetic compass, 17th century (silver)
MMM5469074 Butterfield dial for latitude 35 degrees, built around a magnetic compass, 17th century (silver, gilded copper and glass); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Astronomical compendium (measurement kit) for 49° latitude, open, with magnetic compass

Astronomical compendium (measurement kit) for 49° latitude, open, with magnetic compass, 1597 (brass)
MMM5474046 Astronomical compendium (measurement kit) for 49° latitude, open, with magnetic compass, 1597 (brass) by Ducher, Hans (fl.1574); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Compass and dipleidoscope, an instrument for evaluating exact noon

Compass and dipleidoscope, an instrument for evaluating exact noon, composed of a small telescope and a prism
MMM5470113 Compass and dipleidoscope, an instrument for evaluating exact noon, composed of a small telescope and a prism, 1853-60 (copper); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Horizontal sundial pedestal for latitude 51 degrees, by Thomas Crow (?), 1801 (copper)

Horizontal sundial pedestal for latitude 51 degrees, by Thomas Crow (?), 1801 (copper)
MMM5470095 Horizontal sundial pedestal for latitude 51 degrees, by Thomas Crow (?), 1801 (copper); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Diptych sundial for 49° latitude, seen from the closed lid, in ivory, dated, c.1640-60 (ivory)

Diptych sundial for 49° latitude, seen from the closed lid, in ivory, dated, c.1640-60 (ivory)
MMM5475369 Diptych sundial for 49° latitude, seen from the closed lid, in ivory, dated, c.1640-60 (ivory); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Diptych sundial for 49° latitude)

Background imageScaler Collection: Universal pocket equinoxial dial for Latitude 35 degrees, deployed Silver

Universal pocket equinoxial dial for Latitude 35 degrees, deployed Silver and gilded copper instrument
MMM5474504 Universal pocket equinoxial dial for Latitude 35 degrees, deployed Silver and gilded copper instrument, 1650-1700 (silver and gilded copper); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Sundial from Augsburg (Germany), deployed, probably for 10-degree latitude

Sundial from Augsburg (Germany), deployed, probably for 10-degree latitude. Brass instrument, 18th century (brass)
MMM5474487 Sundial from Augsburg (Germany), deployed, probably for 10-degree latitude. Brass instrument, 18th century (brass) by Vogler, Andreas (c.1730-1800); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Portable horizontal sundial for latitude 48 degrees with magnetic compass

Portable horizontal sundial for latitude 48 degrees with magnetic compass. Silver instrument, 17th century (silver)
MMM5474442 Portable horizontal sundial for latitude 48 degrees with magnetic compass. Silver instrument, 17th century (silver); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Dieppe (France) compass for lifting the magnetic azimuth, seen from above

Dieppe (France) compass for lifting the magnetic azimuth, seen from above. Ivory instrument, c.1660 (ivory)
MMM5474076 Dieppe (France) compass for lifting the magnetic azimuth, seen from above. Ivory instrument, c.1660 (ivory); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Horizontal sundial, open, with an allegorical representation of justice (IUSTITIA) and mirror

Horizontal sundial, open, with an allegorical representation of justice (IUSTITIA) and mirror, c.1575 (silver)
MMM5474534 Horizontal sundial, open, with an allegorical representation of justice (IUSTITIA) and mirror, c.1575 (silver, leather and paper); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Diptych sundial (closed) for Latitude 48. Ivory instrument 1619, by Lienhart Miller ()

Diptych sundial (closed) for Latitude 48. Ivory instrument 1619, by Lienhart Miller (?), 1619 (ivory)
MMM5473341 Diptych sundial (closed) for Latitude 48. Ivory instrument 1619, by Lienhart Miller (?), 1619 (ivory); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Diptych sundial (closed) for Latitude 49. Ivory instrument, first half of the 18th century (ivory)

Diptych sundial (closed) for Latitude 49. Ivory instrument, first half of the 18th century (ivory)
MMM5473296 Diptych sundial (closed) for Latitude 49. Ivory instrument, first half of the 18th century (ivory); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Islamic solar quadrant, engraved on both sides, and can be used for astronomical calculations

Islamic solar quadrant, engraved on both sides, and can be used for astronomical calculations, 1870 (lacquered wood)
MMM5473273 Islamic solar quadrant, engraved on both sides, and can be used for astronomical calculations, 1870 (lacquered wood); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Detail of the interior of an astronomical compendium for latitude 52 degrees, 1560 (brass)

Detail of the interior of an astronomical compendium for latitude 52 degrees, 1560 (brass)
MMM5470159 Detail of the interior of an astronomical compendium for latitude 52 degrees, 1560 (brass) by Schissler, Christoph (c.1531-1608); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: A machine for showing the motions of the earth and phases of the moon, 1746 (pen, ink, wash)

A machine for showing the motions of the earth and phases of the moon, 1746 (pen, ink, wash)
7341586 A machine for showing the motions of the earth and phases of the moon, 1746 (pen, ink, wash) by Ferguson, James (1710-76); 51x36.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Volvelle giving the rules for predicting solar and lunar eclipses, 1540 (hand-coloured engraving)

Volvelle giving the rules for predicting solar and lunar eclipses, 1540 (hand-coloured engraving)
7340906 Volvelle giving the rules for predicting solar and lunar eclipses, 1540 (hand-coloured engraving) by Apianus, Petrus (1495-1552); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: All barometers, whatever their shape, are designed to measure air pressure (litho)

All barometers, whatever their shape, are designed to measure air pressure (litho)
8673393 All barometers, whatever their shape, are designed to measure air pressure (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: All barometers, whatever their shape)

Background imageScaler Collection: Astronomical compendium for unknown latitude, 17th century (brass)

Astronomical compendium for unknown latitude, 17th century (brass)
MMM5475258 Astronomical compendium for unknown latitude, 17th century (brass); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Astronomical compendium for unknown latitude)

Background imageScaler Collection: Universal equinoxial dial for all latitudes, c.1695-1725 (gilded copper)

Universal equinoxial dial for all latitudes, c.1695-1725 (gilded copper)
MMM5475122 Universal equinoxial dial for all latitudes, c.1695-1725 (gilded copper) by Culpeper, Edmund (1660-1738); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Universal equinoxial dial for Latitude 0, deployed Copper and silver-copper instrument

Universal equinoxial dial for Latitude 0, deployed Copper and silver-copper instrument
MMM5475101 Universal equinoxial dial for Latitude 0, deployed Copper and silver-copper instrument, 1830-50 (copper and silver-copper); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Horizontal and portable sundial for Latitude 49 degrees. Brass instrument, c.1715 (brass)

Horizontal and portable sundial for Latitude 49 degrees. Brass instrument, c.1715 (brass)
MMM5475086 Horizontal and portable sundial for Latitude 49 degrees. Brass instrument, c.1715 (brass); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Sundial from Augsburg (Germany), seen from below, for latitude 12 degrees

Sundial from Augsburg (Germany), seen from below, for latitude 12 degrees. Brass instrument, 18th century (brass)
MMM5474485 Sundial from Augsburg (Germany), seen from below, for latitude 12 degrees. Brass instrument, 18th century (brass); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Portable horizontal sundial with magnetic compass Silver and ivory instrument

Portable horizontal sundial with magnetic compass Silver and ivory instrument, c.1650-1700 (silver and ivory)
MMM5474404 Portable horizontal sundial with magnetic compass Silver and ivory instrument, c.1650-1700 (silver and ivory); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Portable horizontal sundial with magnetic compass Copper instrument, late 17th century (copper)

Portable horizontal sundial with magnetic compass Copper instrument, late 17th century (copper)
MMM5474137 Portable horizontal sundial with magnetic compass Copper instrument, late 17th century (copper); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Tiero de Dio, map of the Arabian Sea (or Arabian Sea) and the Persian Gulf (or Arabian Arabian Gulf)

Tiero de Dio, map of the Arabian Sea (or Arabian Sea) and the Persian Gulf (or Arabian Arabian Gulf)
MMM5474127 Tiero de Dio, map of the Arabian Sea (or Arabian Sea) and the Persian Gulf (or Arabian Arabian Gulf). Manuscript with table and scale, bound with 25 maps in an atlas (24x17 cm)

Background imageScaler Collection: Astronomical compendium (measurement kit) for 49° latitude, closed, seen from below, 1597 (brass)

Astronomical compendium (measurement kit) for 49° latitude, closed, seen from below, 1597 (brass)
MMM5474035 Astronomical compendium (measurement kit) for 49° latitude, closed, seen from below, 1597 (brass) by Ducher, Hans (fl.1574); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Magnetic azimuth dial from Dieppe (France), for latitude 50 degrees, portable

Magnetic azimuth dial from Dieppe (France), for latitude 50 degrees, portable, c.1680 (ivory and brass)
MMM5474570 Magnetic azimuth dial from Dieppe (France), for latitude 50 degrees, portable, c.1680 (ivory and brass); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageScaler Collection: Solar dial and pocket magnetic compass, for latitude 48 degrees, 18th century (copper and enamel)

Solar dial and pocket magnetic compass, for latitude 48 degrees, 18th century (copper and enamel)
MMM5474538 Solar dial and pocket magnetic compass, for latitude 48 degrees, 18th century (copper and enamel); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Solar dial and pocket magnetic compass)

Background imageScaler Collection: Diptych sundial (open), with magnetic compass. Ivory instrument around 1640, by Jacob Karner ()

Diptych sundial (open), with magnetic compass. Ivory instrument around 1640, by Jacob Karner (?), c.1640 (ivory)
MMM5473360 Diptych sundial (open), with magnetic compass. Ivory instrument around 1640, by Jacob Karner (?), c.1640 (ivory); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Diptych sundial (open)

Background imageScaler Collection: Butterfield sundial Brass instrument, late 17th century, by Chapotot (?) (brass)

Butterfield sundial Brass instrument, late 17th century, by Chapotot (?) (brass)
MMM5473359 Butterfield sundial Brass instrument, late 17th century, by Chapotot (?) (brass); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Butterfield sundial Brass instrument, late 17th century)

Background imageScaler Collection: Diptych sundial (closed). Ivory instrument, first half of the 18th century (ivory)

Diptych sundial (closed). Ivory instrument, first half of the 18th century (ivory)
MMM5473333 Diptych sundial (closed). Ivory instrument, first half of the 18th century (ivory); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Diptych sundial (closed)

Background imageScaler Collection: Marine copper sundial, for latitude 0 degrees, c.1600 (copper sundial)

Marine copper sundial, for latitude 0 degrees, c.1600 (copper sundial)
MMM5476495 Marine copper sundial, for latitude 0 degrees, c.1600 (copper sundial); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Marine copper sundial, for latitude 0 degrees)

Background imageScaler Collection: Double-framed sextant, which belonged to Robert Fitzroy (1805-1865), c.1831

Double-framed sextant, which belonged to Robert Fitzroy (1805-1865), c.1831
MMM5476385 Double-framed sextant, which belonged to Robert Fitzroy (1805-1865), c.1831; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Double-framed sextant)

Background imageScaler Collection: Diptych sundial, for latitude 49 degrees, seen from the dial with open cover, in ivory

Diptych sundial, for latitude 49 degrees, seen from the dial with open cover, in ivory, c.1640-60 (ivory)
MMM5475377 Diptych sundial, for latitude 49 degrees, seen from the dial with open cover, in ivory, c.1640-60 (ivory); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Diptych sundial)

Background imageScaler Collection: Diptych sundial (open), with magnetic compass. Ivory instrument, mid-17th century

Diptych sundial (open), with magnetic compass. Ivory instrument, mid-17th century, by Thomas Ducher (?) (ivory)
MMM5474002 Diptych sundial (open), with magnetic compass. Ivory instrument, mid-17th century, by Thomas Ducher (?) (ivory); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Diptych sundial (open)




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"Scaling the Depths of Art: A Journey Through Time" Step into the world of art and history as we explore various captivating pieces that have stood against the wall of time. From an artist delicately drawing a lute in 1525 to a stunning portrayal of Temperance in 1470, these works transport us back to eras long gone. Intriguingly, our journey takes an unexpected turn with a black-and-white photograph capturing a typical negrito man alongside Roy Barton. This powerful image reminds us of the diverse stories and individuals who have shaped our past. Venturing further, we encounter The Augsburg Quadrant by Tycho Brahe, dating back to 1546-1601. This scientific instrument serves as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding. The title page from Georgius Agricola's DE RE METALLICA (1621) introduces us to the fascinating world of metal extraction and shaping. It unveils secrets hidden beneath layers upon layers, showcasing mankind's ingenuity in manipulating nature's resources. Our exploration continues with Constantin le plus Grand Geant du Monde (1890), depicted through lithography. This larger-than-life figure captivates our imagination while reminding us that even giants can exist within artistic realms. Amidst etchings portraying two spaniels barking at a bulldog or a frog inflating itself like a cow from 1811, we are reminded that art has always embraced whimsy and humor throughout history. "A CHECK TO CORSICAN ASSURANCE" (1805) engraving confronts us with political commentary embedded within art – reminding viewers that creativity can be used as both entertainment and social critique simultaneously. Finally, "One Hundred Proverbs" presents an intriguing engraving titled "A Little Man Sometimes Projects a Large Shadow" from 1845. These proverbs encapsulate timeless wisdom passed down through generations – a testament to the enduring power of words and imagery.