Mystery Gadget 40

A granite sphere sitting on a base. No moving parts. Yet it performed a useful function. What?

The answer is here.

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Posted By: Paul - Fri Sep 23, 2016
Category: Statues, Monuments and Memorials | Technology | 1910s | 1940s

Comments

A sundial or calendar?

Posted by TheCannyScot on 09/23/16 at 07:46 AM

At first glance I thought it was a portion of an Escher print.

Posted by KDP on 09/23/16 at 09:01 AM

Since it was removed and relocated to Ann Arbor in 1946, I take it the useful function was providing a good challenge for some U of Michigan frat pledges on a road trip.

Posted by Virtual on 09/23/16 at 01:10 PM

Sundial or gathering place? I love how the guy worked the rare crossword puzzle word GNOMON into the story a couple of times.

Posted by Greg on 09/23/16 at 09:28 PM

Not much of a sundial if you have to know the time of day to use it. Now THIS is a sundial:
http://gb.fotolibra.com/images/previews/516651-sundial-at-delhi-observatory-india.jpeg

Posted by tadchem on 09/24/16 at 12:56 AM

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