Pocket compass sundial, magnetic, London, early 19th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1550-1851
A REGENCY PORTER PATTERN MAGNETIC POCKET COMPASS SUNDIALUNSIGNED, LONDON, EARLY 19th CENTURYThe floating card centred with an angled brass gnomon set for LONDON, L51 (degrees) 30.N within Roman numeral IV-XII-VIII chapter ring divided for half hours and again with dots for the quarters between, the outer margin annotated with eight cardinal compass points within an outer scale divided for degrees numbered every ten 0-90 four times, set beneath a domed glass cover secured by a brass bezel within a circular tooled maroon Morocco leather covered case incorporating a blue silk-lined domed hinged lid secured by a brass hook clasp.6.4cm (2.5ins) diameter, 4cm (1.125ins) high.Provenance:The Michael Finnemore Collection of Fine Clocks, Barometers, Scientific Instruments and Mechanical Music.This type of magnetic compass sundial was made popular by Samual Porter of London who is recorded in Clifton, Gloria Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851 as working from Norfolk Place, Shacklewell, London 1823-24.
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.
Physical characteristics
- Material (listing wording)
- brass, Morocco leather, blue silk
- Dimensions or weight (listing wording)
- 6.4cm; 4cm
Identification
- Source note
- Auction-house description published on Invaluable; the text keeps only the listing's object facts (condition, price and sale wording removed). Attribution and measurements describe the photographed example; independent type authentication remains research required.
- Candidate id
- inv-199031902
- Auction house
- Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
- Listing object ID
- 199031902
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: confirm the wider type, maker and dating against a specialist reference; this entry documents one recorded example.