Universal equinoctial ring dial for all latitudes. Standard dial (see related terms) except for the following details:-

There are two latitude scales in opposite quadrants divided clockwise [0°]-[90°]. The remainder of the obverse side of the meridian ring contains a table of latitudes that continues on the reverse. It includes a whole series of unusual places, ranging from China to the Caribbean, and from Quebec (then a French colony) to Peru. European towns are almost completely restricted to capital cities. On the obverse side of the equinoctial ring is an hour scale while the reverse completes the table of latitudes. There is a date scale but no declination scale, and the equinoxes are marked at 20 March and 20 September. There are leaf patterns on the equinoctial ring stops and bridge ends.

Unlike AST0311, this instrument shows Bion working on a standard scale for French dials. The elaborate decoration is typical of the ornamentation of French instruments. The dial is signed 'N Bion A Paris'.

For more information regarding this dial please refer to the OUP & NMM catalogue, 'Sundials at Greenwich'.