Sold 15 May 2025 · Opus Antiques

This “Antique Travelling Sun Dial & Compass - With Original Instructions for Use” found a buyer.

It was listed by Opus Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Antique Pocket Compass Vintage Scientific Instrument Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

This antique sun dial and compass was probably made by Francis Barker & son, a London maker. The compass and sun dial are housed in a wooden case. Inside it still retains the original paper label with instructions for use.

c1875

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Antique Traveling Sundial to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1023110

Dealers Notes

Own a piece of history

Description

c1875

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Antique Traveling Sundial to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1023110

About the Dealer

Opus Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2014

Antique treen, boxes & decorative georgian items

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Opus Antiques Profile Page

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An open wooden box containing a pocket sundial and compass, featuring a taut string gnomon and printed instructions inside the lid.

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Archive I

Antique Travelling Sun Dial & Compass - With Original Instructions for Use

Archive II

An open wooden box containing a pocket sundial and compass, featuring a taut string gnomon and printed instructions inside the lid. View II

Archive III

An open wooden box containing a pocket sundial and compass, featuring a taut string gnomon and printed instructions inside the lid. View III

Archive IV

An open wooden box containing a pocket sundial and compass, featuring a taut string gnomon and printed instructions inside the lid. View IV

Archive V

An open wooden box containing a pocket sundial and compass, featuring a taut string gnomon and printed instructions inside the lid. View V

Archive VI

An open wooden box containing a pocket sundial and compass, featuring a taut string gnomon and printed instructions inside the lid. View VI

Archive VII

An open wooden box containing a pocket sundial and compass, featuring a taut string gnomon and printed instructions inside the lid. View VII

Archive VIII

An open wooden box containing a pocket sundial and compass, featuring a taut string gnomon and printed instructions inside the lid. View VIII

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Opus Antiques

Telephone 07941 285 532

Location

North Devon
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/opusantiques

Verified Since Oct 2014

Items For Sale 98

Items Sold 2,404

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Antique Travelling Sun Dial & Compass - with original instructions for use

Ref: SA1023110

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Cataloguer’s Note

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectScientific Instruments
Period19th century
StyleGeorgian
MaterialWood, Brass, Paper
ColourWarm Brown
MotifsFolding gnomon string, Inlaid compass, Printed instruction label, Brass hardware

FAQs

A traveling sundial is a portable astronomical instrument combining a sundial and a magnetic compass, historically used by travelers to determine local time and direction before the widespread use of portable mechanical timepieces.

Traditional pocket sundials were commonly constructed using hardwoods such as boxwood, mahogany, or fruitwood, paired with brass hinges, dials, and paper instructions or scale inserts.

Authentic pieces generally exhibit period-specific typography, hand-printed paper instructions, genuine brass patination, and traditional joinery methods consistent with eighteenth or nineteenth-century craftsmanship.

Such items work well displayed as focal points on a bookshelf, a desk, or a mantelpiece, paired with other curiosities to add historical depth and intellectual character to a room.

Preservation requires storing the object in a stable environment away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity to protect the delicate paper components and prevent wood warping or brass tarnishing.