Ansonia Sunwatch (pocket compass dial)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1922-1939
According to the Science Museum Group, this pocket horizontal sundial known as the Sunwatch was manufactured between 1922 and 1939 in New York county by the Ansonia Clock Company.
Built within a hinged rectangular metal pocket case, the instrument incorporates a folding metal gnomon, concentric hour scales calibrated for latitudes 51, 54, and 57, and an integrated magnetic compass. A reference card inside the upper lid provides latitude, longitude variation, and equation of time adjustments for numerous locations across the British Isles.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1922-1939
- Type
- pocket horizontal sundial
- Maker
- Ansonia Clock Company
- Place Made
- New York county
- Place recorded
- United States
- Maker / attribution
- Ansonia Clock Company
Design
- Visible features
- • Hinged rectangular metal case opened to reveal an integrated printed paper chart inside the upper lid titled 'TABLES OF LATITUDES ETC. EQUATION'. • Dial plate features concentric hour tracks marked for latitudes 51, 54, and 57, a central folding metal gnomon laid flat, and a circular magnetic compass. • The lower rim of the dial is stamped 'MANUFACTURED BY THE ANSONIA CLOCK CO. U.S.A. / PATENT SUNWATCH PENDING'.
- Museum Record and Provenance
- The Science Museum Group records the acquisition credit for this object as 'Frye, I.' under object number 1974-100. The museum record does not detail the physical condition of the compass pivot or the functional operation of the folding gnomon beyond what is visibly recorded in the photograph.
- Dial Plate and Gnomon Construction
- The dial plate inside the opened lower case features concentric hour tracks marked for latitudes 51, 54, and 57, an integrated circular magnetic compass, and a central folding metal gnomon. In the provided photograph, the gnomon is laid flat rather than erect. The lower rim of the dial plate is stamped 'MANUFACTURED BY THE ANSONIA CLOCK CO. U.S.A. / PATENT SUNWATCH PENDING', identifying the maker and model name as well as indicating patent-pending status at the time of manufacture.
- Object Classification and Physical Case
- According to the Science Museum Group, this instrument is catalogued under the category of Time Measurement as a pocket horizontal sundial under object number 1974-100. Recorded as having been made between 1922 and 1939 in New York county by the Ansonia Clock Company, the device is housed in a rectangular folding format. Physical observation shows a hinged rectangular metal case opened to reveal an integrated printed paper chart inside the upper lid titled 'TABLES OF LATITUDES ETC. EQUATION'. In the supplied photograph, the exterior of the case is not visible, leaving any outer surface markings or finishes unrecorded.
Identification
- Object Number
- 1974-100
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exterior of the case is not visible in the supplied photograph.
- Research required: The central gnomon is shown in its folded position rather than erect.