19th Century Silvered Pocket Sundial

Elegant 19th-century portable sundial crafted in bronze, partially silvered and finely engraved with precise calibrations and decorative detailing. This compact timekeeping instrumen...

19th Century Portable Sundial in Wooden Case Charming portable sundial from the 19th century, housed in its original wooden case. This compact instrument exemplifies the craftsmanshi...

A beautiful, rare solid silver Anglo-French octagonal pocket sundial with compass by Michael Butterfield, circa 1700. The sundial is made for a latitude of 44° and could be used in places in the south of France such as Avignon and elsewhere along this parallel. The elaborately engraved base plate has a Roman chapter ring on which the gnomon (a triangular flap) casts its shadow. It is signed by the maker in the following manner: Butterfield A Paris. On one side is a glazed recessed compass with a blued steel hand to position the instrument in such a way that the time can be read. The hinged triangular gnomon is richly engraved and in the shape of a bird’s head. The folding gnomon and cut corners enable the dial to be carried in the pocket. The underside shows the latitudes of various Southern-French places in the relevant areas Its maker Michael Butterfield was an English instrument maker who based himself in 'Le Quay de l'Horloge' of Paris from circa 1685. These types of dials, often replicated by other makers, became known as Butterfield Dials...

American Mid-Century (1940s) brass sundial.