How do I read a pocket sundial?

A pocket sundial relies on an adjustable gnomon that casts a shadow across a graduated paper or brass scale to indicate local apparent time. To use one correctly, you must align the instrument to true north and tilt the gnomon to match the latitude of your specific location.

What is a marine chronometer used for?

A marine chronometer served as a portable time standard aboard ships, allowing navigators to calculate exact longitude by comparing home port time to local solar time. These clocks sat within gimballed brass rings inside wooden boxes to keep the movement level despite the rolling motion of the vessel.

How do I care for brass instruments?

Brass instruments require a stable environment away from high humidity and direct sunlight to prevent the metal from tarnishing or wood cases from warping. Avoid using harsh chemical polishes that can wear away delicate original engravings and historic patination accumulated over the decades.

Were these instruments made for land or sea?

Some instruments were built specifically for maritime use aboard ships, whilst others were designed for land surveyors, military officers, and astronomical observers. Maritime pieces often featured gimbals and waterproof housing, whereas surveying instruments prioritised tripods, leveling bubbles, and precision sighting arms.

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Antique Navigational Instrument

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An antique navigational instrument brings the exact science of the sea and sky into your hands, offering brass compasses and wooden telescopes made to chart unknown waters.