https://sci-why.blogspot.com/2011/09/eleanor-of-aquitaine-sundial.html?m=1
Made in 1152. Wow.
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On the outer rim of the ring are the letters ” J F M A M J J A S O N D” and on the inside of the ring are the numbers 1 through 11.
There is a brass ring that rotates around the centre of the ring and in the middle of this ring is a round hole.
Engraved inside the ring are words, “Carpe Diem” or “seize the day.”
You are looking at a replica of the Eleanor of Aquitaine sundial, based on the one the queen gave to her husband, Henry II of England in about 1152.
Most children have never heard of Eleanor, Henry and know nothing about the Aquitaine. However, ask a child if they have ever heard of Robin Hood and most hands go up. Ask them if they know which king went to the crusades with Robin Hood most know the name of Richard the Lionhearted. And generally kids will have heard of his evil brother, King John. Now you have their attention. Let’s not get into the fact that Robin Hood as portrayed in movies and books, was fictional.
When Eleanor married Henry, she was one of the wealthiest and most powerful women of her time. Marrying Eleanor was a pretty smart move for Henry as he now had access to money, lands and political influence. Eleanor like throwing lavish parties and wanted Henry to be back in time for dinner.
Now frankly telling your husband he needed to be back at the castle no later than 5 pm had no real meaning as well, wrist watches would not be invented for another 500 or so years.
To solve this problem, Eleanor had a beautiful sundial made for her husband. This way he could always tell what time it was. Henry also commissioned an even fancier one for his wife made from gold and set with diamonds. And how did this romantic gesture work out?
Sadly, there wasn’t a “happily ever after” ending. Henry imprisoned Eleanor in a castle and went off to hunt and party to his hearts content, never having to see what time it was on his sundial watch.
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Retroworks Sundial Ring Silver Finish
https://www.amazon.com/Retroworks-Sundial-Ring-Silver-Finish/dp/B00JIUJX7Y?th=1
Sundial Ring – Tells Time in Multiple Latitudes
A Modern Vesion of the Aquitaine Sundial – Elegant and Eye Catching
Can be Worn as a Ring (Size 10) or on a Chain as a Necklace
No Other Sundial Ring Allows for Lattitude Adjustment – Works in Tucson as well as Seattle
Solid State – No Batteries Stainless Steel/Acid Etched Markings
$24.99
This ring is based on the original sundial ring Queen Eleanor gave to her husband, Henry II of England in about 1152.
On a cloudless day, hold the ring upright aligning one of the 3 reference lines straight up. Rotate the sun dial until the hole is next to the current date (month of the year and beginning/middle/end of the month) A beam of light illuminates the time on an inside clock scale.
Calibrate by using the reference line that works with your latitude – northern cities will use a different line than southern ones.
The 3 reference lines allow Daylight Savings Time adjustments as well.
Made from VERY durable stainless steel, acid etched markings.
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Find Longitude
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Find True Solar Time Below