of typical form, the circular marble base mounted with a shaped gnomen, a burning lens adjustable against a quadrant with calendar scale and a small signal cannon, the base inscribed "Loiseau Ingr. Optn. 35. Quai de l'horloge Paris" and below in Arabic, "Constantinople" "Mecca" and "Medina", the latitude 35 degrees 40 minutes, and date AD 1788
24cm. diam.

Footnotes

The noon cannon reached the height of its popularity in the 18th century. The small cannon was loaded with a charge of gunpowder. When the sun shone on the device at noon, the magnifying glass would direct a beam of light which would discharge the cannon. All in the vicinity would then be able to adjust their pocket watches to the correct time.

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- Islamic and Indian Art

A French brass and marble Noon Cannon for the Ottoman market Paris, dated AD 1788

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Matthew Thomas