GERMAN HORIZONTAL SUNDIAL
German horizontal sundial. This type of horizontal sundial was very popular, especially in Germany in the 16th and 17th centuries. This model is dated 1643 and is of unknown authorship.
It consists of a beech wood base, on which the metal plate that acts as a sundial rests. The gnomon is made of brass and folds down for easy transport. It was very common at that time to carry these instruments in luggage when travelling, so manufacturers tried to make them as portable as possible.
The compass is housed in the centre and under the dial. In this case it is one of the so-called floating ones, as it consists of an aluminium plate engraved with a beautiful compass rose on a magnetic plate that seeks north, supported on a sharp brass pivot. The compass was used to orient the clock on the north-south meridian. The shadow cast by the folding gnomon on the dial indicates the solar time.
It comes in a nice box to make a perfect gift. It is accompanied by a small booklet with the history of the sundial and instructions on how to operate it.
Measurements:
Width: 11 cm
Length: 11 cm
Thickness: 2.5 cm
VAT INCLUDED
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadran_horizontal