| Compass and Sundial |
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This 1 of only 2 complete examples of this kind, known to be found in the last 20 years. A true museum piece. This ingenious sun dial is self-aligning! The gnomon is attached to the compass card, so one just holds it level, waits for it to settle, and reads the sun time from the shadow!
Material: Brass
Size: 1 1/2" diameter
Crystal: Original Glass dome
Needle: Dry card
Graduations: Cardinal & inter-cardinal points
Weight: 1/2 oz.
Stop: None
Markings: Magnetic Time Keeper & Compass (on lid)
D. L. Smith's Patent August 23, 1870 (on base)
Manufacturer: Unknown
Included will be a printed copy of the original instructions for this item, truely fascinating.
The lid, with its shining sun in relief, is in fine shape, not dented or dinged and showing a nice warm patina with the beginnings of light verdisgris over perhaps a third of its surface. The lid presses on smoothly and securely to the base, which also has a warm tone throughout and is free of any damage. The brass gnomon is securely in place. The compass card revolves smoothly and seeks north well.
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