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1906 The Pheil's Universal Time Indicator

1906 The Pheil's Universal Time Indicator

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By: Isaac F. Pheil

Date: 1906 (dated) Toledo, Ohio

Dimensions: 30 x 22 inches (76 x 56 cm)

This is a very fine example of "Pheil's Universal Time Indicator," a distinctive representation of global time zones with rotating volvelle, produced by The Toledo Blade newspaper in Toledo, Ohio, in 1906. 

The map, centered on the North Pole, offers a comprehensive view of the world and its time zones from a unique polar projection, showcasing the entire globe with radiating longitudinal lines. The outer portions of the map display countries, continents, and significant regions labeled with bold text, providing geographic context. The central feature is a circular clock-like structure that illustrates the hours of the day, with "AM" and "PM" designations, allowing users to easily determine the local time in any region by rotating the inner wheel.

The Pheil map, designed for practical use in a world increasingly interconnected by advancements in transportation and communication, was a tool for understanding time differences across global regions. The circular format of the time zones emphasizes the rotational nature of the Earth and the relative time differences from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The United States is shown in more detail at the bottom of the map, with clear demarcations of time zones across the nation.

The Development of Time Zones

Prior to the late 19th century, local mean time was used in different parts of the world, resulting in inconsistent timekeeping systems. However, the expansion of railroads and international communication created the need for a standardized system. The modern concept of time zones was developed in the 1870s by Sir Sandford Fleming, a Canadian engineer, who proposed dividing the world into 24 time zones, each one covering 15 degrees of longitude, corresponding to one hour of time.

This map reflects the time zone system as it was in the early 20th century, shortly after the establishment of standard time zones. By 1884, the International Meridian Conference in Washington D.C. had formalized Greenwich, England, as the Prime Meridian (0° longitude), setting the global standard for timekeeping. The Pheil's Universal Time Indicator highlights this standardized system and includes a reference to the International Date Line, an essential aspect of the global timekeeping system that determines the change of calendar days as one travels east or west across the Pacific Ocean.

Practical Uses and Legacy

The Pheil's map serves as an early example of a tool to facilitate the synchronization of time across long distances, benefiting travelers, businesses, and communication networks. As telegraphs, railroads, and later, telephones and radio transmissions connected different parts of the world, the need for accurate timekeeping became more critical.

This map also reflects the technological optimism of the early 20th century, as innovations like this time indicator represented the growing understanding of the world as a connected and manageable space. Today, modern technology has made it easier to track time differences, but artifacts like the Pheil's Universal Time Indicator remind us of the challenges and innovations of the past.

This map, while aesthetically unique, is also a historical tool that captures the intersection of geography, technology, and the standardization of time in the early modern world.

Condition: Map is in A condition with bright colors, full margins, and a secure volvelle that rotates with ease. A small stain is apparent at top-center that does not distract from the overall eye-appeal of the piece.

Inventory #12875

1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622 

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