Chevallier Cannon Sundial - Adler Planetarium; Chicago, IL, USA
Posted by: 
cldisme
N 41° 51.982 W 087° 36.427
16T E 449614 N 4635117
A Cannon Sundial is part of the Webster Collection of Instrument Makers.
Waymark Code: WMG16Z
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 12/31/2012
Views: 21
Among the Adler Planetarium's extensive collection of sundials is a Cannon Sundial made by Jean-Gabriel-Augustin Chevallier in Paris, France. His career spanned from 1796 to 1840 and it is unclear when this particular piece was made.
Believed to be inspired by Napoleon's favorite weaponry (
PDF page 11 -
document page 17) the lens above the cannon would focus the mid-day sun onto the cannon barrel which would ignite a small charge of powder providing a daily noon signal.
The marble base is inscribed with "L'Ing. Chevallier Place de Pont Neuf 15, Paris."
Type: Time Cannon
In service: no
Time of signal: 12:00
Year established (if known): 1796 to 1840
Address:
1300 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
USA
Weblink (if any): [Web Link]
Year decommissioned (if applicable): Not listed
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