compass sundial
Datecirca 1650
Inventory Number7246
ClassificationSundial
Subject
Maker
English
Cultural Region
Dimensions2.3 x 3.9 x 3.9 cm (7/8 x 1 9/16 x 1 9/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionThis horizontal compass sundial is cylindrical and has a threaded cover. The base of the sundial is the bowl of a magnetic compass. The compass has a printed paper wind rose, which is hand colored. There are 32 points. The needle is missing. The glass is original and has striations and a blue-green tint.
The gnomon has an angle for a latitude of approximately 51°. It is hinged to simple scrolling arms that reach across the compass glass to meet up with a circular band. This band is inscribed with hours, 4-12-8, and is divided every 1 hour. The sundial structure also serves as the bezel to hold the compass glass.
The sundial cover and the compass bowl that forms its bottom are both ornamented with scalloped decorations.
The gnomon has an angle for a latitude of approximately 51°. It is hinged to simple scrolling arms that reach across the compass glass to meet up with a circular band. This band is inscribed with hours, 4-12-8, and is divided every 1 hour. The sundial structure also serves as the bezel to hold the compass glass.
The sundial cover and the compass bowl that forms its bottom are both ornamented with scalloped decorations.
In Collection(s)
Signedunsigned
Curatorial RemarksXRF analysis of the metals was done by Katherine Eremin and Sara Schechner in August 2007.
FunctionA small, pocket-sized sundial with a large central compass, this form was popular for English users who stayed close to home.
ProvenanceJoseph Drecker, Aachen, Germany, before 1928 (no.190); Frederik Casparus Wieder, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, 1928; D. P. Wheatland, Topsfield, MA, 1959; gift to CHSI, ca. 1987.
Johann Georg Vogler
Date: circa 1750
Accessories: case
Object number: 7062
Charles Bloud
Date: 1653
Accessories: Stored in briefcase (not with sundial in its present location).
Object number: 7800