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Engraved boxwood sun clock English manufacture mid-19th century.

About the Item

Engraved boxwood diptych sun clock with brass hinges and locking hooks, book-shaped, mid-19th-century English manufacture. The clock has an orientation compass inserted in the base with needle lock and complete with rose on eight-twenty paper and goniometric circle. The gnomon consists of a wire that is put under tension, according to the direction of the celestial axis, when the clock cover is opened. A label on the inside of the lid bears English language instructions about the operation of the instrument. Inside the lid is traced the hour dial, showing the daylight hours. Very good condition fully functional Measurements closed cm 7.7x5.1x2- inches 3x2.1x1.6. The last photo is the gift box. The operation of the sundial depends on the apparent movement of the Sun. It consists of a gnomon or stylus that casts the sun's shadow on a surface furrowed by the tracing of the hour lines. To read the time correctly, the clock must be oriented north, an operation that is accomplished by means of the compass. This simple yet ingenious system became widespread in the 17th and 18th centuries through the production of specimens, made of wood or ivory. The sundial is a horizontal line passing through the North and South points. Sundial, in our language, is also synonymous with sundial. From ancient times to the present day, sundials have been made that varied in type, shape, and size, such as portable models that performed the functions of our wristwatches and pocket watches. Different peoples and different cultures then adopted various ways of measuring time according to their needs: in fact, ancient sundials can still be observed that do not follow the hours we use today (astronomical hours) but, for example, Babylonian hours, Italic hours, canonical hours, etc.

Dimensions:

Height: 7.7 in (19.56 cm)Width: 5.1 in (12.96 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Wood

Period:

Mid-19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1850

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Milan, IT