Large universal equinoctial ring in brass, silver-plated brass, gold and varnish, signed “Made by GEO ADAMS in Fleet Street London”.

Dedicated “THE GIFT OF Major Cha[rle]s Vallancey to John Debenham 1773”.

Note: Charles Vallancey, who had become a general and a member of the Royal Society, was an Engineer.

Condition: excellent with its original silver, gold and varnished brass.

Provenance : Trevor Philip & Sons Ltd; private collection.

References: to our knowledge, this is a unique piece of this size and quality, signed by George Adams. Exhibited in 1984 (see p.5).

Note: this type of ring is of great rarity and corresponds to orders prestigious.

Maker: George Adams senior, who was in business as an instrument maker scientists from 1734 and died in 1772, founded one of the best known workshops of London. He was named "Royal" by King George III and was also a noted author. His business at "Tycho Brahe's Head, Fleet Street" was taken over by his son, also George. The same premises were occupied after George's death by his brother, Dudley, also an instrument maker.

Dimensions: 30.5 cm diameter x 39.2 cm total height x 1 cm thickness.

England (London), dated 1773.

Reference : D ex PO 5

Price, photos and special file on request. MUSEUM PIECE.

Also discover many more sundials and equinoxial rings in the dedicated section of our French website : « Cadrans solaires et anneaux équinoxiaux ».