{"product_id":"19th-century-french-noonday-cannon","title":"19th C. French Noonday Cannon","description":"\u003cp\u003eA miniature cannon mounted on a circular stone sundial base, the hour lines incised in radiating bands across the surface with a small gnomon peg set at center. Two iron uprights rise from the base to hold a magnifying lens, angled toward the cannon's touch-hole. The ironwork is matte black throughout, the stone pale and worn at the edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mechanism is straightforward and ingenious: as the sun crosses the meridian at local solar noon, the lens focuses sunlight onto the touch-hole and fires the cannon automatically. The sundial orients the device; the cannon marks the moment. Originally calibrated for a specific latitude, the lens angle would need adjusting for use anywhere else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStyle: French Scientific Instrument\u003cbr\u003eMaterials \u0026amp; Techniques: Cast iron, stone, glass lens\u003cbr\u003ePlace of Origin: France\u003cbr\u003ePeriod: 19th C.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CONSIGN CK","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53739191173430,"sku":null,"price":1400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0733\/5844\/2806\/files\/WW-26-19thCenturyFrenchNoondayCannon2.jpg?v=1785963400","url":"https:\/\/shopwentworth.com\/products\/19th-century-french-noonday-cannon","provider":"Shopwentworth","version":"1.0","type":"link"}