Two blocks of wood, hinged to be closed for carrying. A compass is set in the lower block. Both blocks are scaled to the gnomon which is a thread extending diagonally between them. The cover block has on its exterior surface a rotatable wooden disc with pointer and scale. Marked with tables and scales in Chinese script. Down the sides of the dial are 13 holes for setting the angle of the lunar dial. (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961).

Insulated glass container with platinum wires, brass, and mesh. Presented along with the papers of William Francis Gray Swann (APS Library).

The telescope is made of brass and consists of a 33 1/2" tube on 25" axis with a 1 3/4" aperture and a focal length of 32". Mounted on a brass stand of two rigidly connected A-frames, for use on a table. There are crossed hairs in focal plane, semi-circular scale of 9" radius attached to the bottom of the tube, and a suspended spirit level. Its construction is generally in accordance with earlier European convention. Unmarked. (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961).

Pine case without embellishment. The dial is 10 5/8" diameter, probably of cold silvered brass. Unmarked. Heavy brass plates with a pillar at each of the four corners contain the deadbeat escapement and going train of two many-toothed wheels. The motion work is between the dial and front plate. A small gear on the #2 gear arbor drives a large gear carrying the minute hand. The hour hand is driven by the latter gear through a compound idler gear and pinion. The second hand is mounted on the escape wheel arbor. The pendulum vibrates seconds and is mercury compensated. It is in two pieces connected by a yoke, and suspended by two springs. A thermometer is mounted on the back of the case. (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961).

Mahogany block with inset compass and cover. Possibly contemporary inked inscription, "Belonging to the globes presented by W. & S. Jones, 18 April 1800." (Robert P. Multhauf, "Catalogue of Instruments and Models," 1961).

Prior to 1895 the Dial existed as separate pieces in the collection. At that time, they were assembled in an incorrect configuration and have since been disassembled. A reproduction base in the shape of a figure of Hercules was made in 2001, but it is unlikely that such a figure would have been used on this piece. This compass may not be original to the piece, and its face and part of the gnomon are missing. The instrument is marked for equal and planetary hours, common and Italian hours, with appropriate conversion tables. The base is elaborately decorated with a Biblical relief of the two miracles of Isaiah, and the bowl with the Zodiac. This type of dial requires both a vertical gnomon and a diagonal gnomon. In the present example, the former would consist of a pointed rod in the center of the bowl (now occupied by a compass); the latter of a figure holding a staff (part of which is restored), mounted to the rim. A string from the center to the end of the staff would form the second gnomon. Engraved. "CHRISTOPHERUS SCHISSLER GEOMETRICUS AC ASTRONOMICUS ARTIFEX AUGUSTAE VINDELICORUM FACIEBAT ANNO 1578" along outer rim of the underside of the bowl.