C1780 Floating Pocket Sundial & Compass
C1780 Floating Pocket Sundial & Compass. A very collectable end of 18th century turned fruitwood Compass Sundial in a round covered case, with floating compass and sundial with paper insert compass rose. The paper dial rests in a fine pin and on top of the dial is a gnomon (the angled part of the sundial that casts the shadow). All of this rests in a turned wood cylindrical case with a domed glass lens.
The turned lid closes over the glass to protect it when stored in a pocket. The sundial/compass is in good working order. There are a couple of stress cracks to the case and lid, but these appear stable. There is a small bit of the wooden lip that holds the lens, which is missing, but the lens is secure.
A gnomon compass sundial is an instrument for determining direction and time based on the direction of the sun and a pointer (the gnomon) cast on a graduated plane. It was the main method of judging direction and time before the 16th and 17th centuries and were often made of brass and fruitwood. Size: 4.3 x 3 cm (1 5/8 x 1 1/8 inches) Weight: 17 g. Have a look at our other items. If you have any questions we are more than happy to help. _gsrx_vers_804 GS 7.0.8 (804). The item "C1780 Floating Pocket Sundial & Compass" is in sale since Wednesday, April 12, 2017. This item is in the category "Antiques\Science/Medicine\Scientific Instruments". The seller is "paradeantiques_online" and is located in Plymouth. This item can be shipped worldwide.- Type: Scientific Instruments
- Sub-Type: Compass
- Material: Wood
- Period: Pre 1800