This early to mid 1800s sun dial and compass is housed in a lovely turned lignum vitae case. The domed lid unscrews to reveal a floating compass and sun dial encased in a dome, in the underside of the lid there is a paper label with instructions.

There are similar examples are in the British Maritime Museum.

The case measures 5.2cm w.

Declaration

Opus Antiques has dated this Lignum Vitae Pocket Sundial to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1215080

Dealers Notes

Own a piece of history

Description

This early to mid 1800s sun dial and compass is housed in a lovely turned lignum vitae case.

“

The domed lid unscrews to reveal a floating compass and sun dial encased in a dome, in the underside of the lid there is a paper label with instructions.

Opus Antiques

There are similar examples are in the British Maritime Museum.

The case measures 5.2cm w.

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Lignum Vitae Pocket Sundial to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1215080

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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A turned dark lignum vitae wooden case opening to reveal a pocket compass and solar sundial beneath a domed glass lens.

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Archive I

An Antique Sun Dial and Compass- Lignum Vitae Case

Archive II

A turned dark lignum vitae wooden case opening to reveal a pocket compass and solar sundial beneath a domed glass lens. View II

Archive III

A turned dark lignum vitae wooden case opening to reveal a pocket compass and solar sundial beneath a domed glass lens. View III

Archive IV

A turned dark lignum vitae wooden case opening to reveal a pocket compass and solar sundial beneath a domed glass lens. View IV

Archive V

A turned dark lignum vitae wooden case opening to reveal a pocket compass and solar sundial beneath a domed glass lens. View V

Archive VI

A turned dark lignum vitae wooden case opening to reveal a pocket compass and solar sundial beneath a domed glass lens. View VI

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 93

Items Sold 2,372

Opus Antiques

Verified Since Oct 2014

View Dealer Info

Location: North Devon, United Kingdom

Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/opusantiques

Verified

Oct 2014

For Sale

Sold

2,372

An Antique Sun Dial and Compass- lignum Vitae Case

Ref: SA1215080

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FAQs

A pocket sundial combined with a magnetic compass is a portable navigational instrument used from the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries to determine local solar time and geographical orientation while travelling.

Historically, these compact instruments were crafted using dense hardwoods such as lignum vitae or mahogany for the turned casing, together with brass fittings, printed paper dials, and protective glass covers.

Authentic period examples display hand-turned wooden casing with natural grain variations, period-appropriate printing or engraving on paper dials, and consistent oxidisation across brass components.

Small scientific instruments can be displayed flat on an office desk, positioned within a glass cloche on a bookshelf, or arranged alongside leather-bound books in a library setting.

Keep the wooden case away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity to prevent timber splitting, clean glass elements with a soft dry cloth, and wax the exterior wood periodically.