Horizontal Inclining Dial by W. & S. Jones, London c.1791-1809

A scarce & finely kept Walnut boxed Horizontal Inclining Dial by W. & S. Jones. English made, circa 1791-1809. Featuring very fine engraving, German silvered dial, paper compass face, made for (adjustable from) 60 degree latitude. Box Walnut, with compass lock, and hinged case. Sixteen cardinal points, outer dial. 

Crafted by brothers William & Samuel Jones, apprentices of their optician father who built upon his work to become one of the renowned instrument makers of the early 19th century. It was the Jones' sextant that Meriwether Lewis & William Clark carried on their 1804-1806 expedition across America to the Pacific Ocean. Thomas Jefferson was a notable early client and close personal friend of William Jones, whose personal pieces are still housed in his Monticello estate. 

Often known for their telescopes and orreries, the brothers Jones made an admirable range of scientific equipment. This scarce Horizontal Inclining Sundial showcases their broader abilities as craftsman, while holding to their signature aesthetic, and fine-eye for detail.