PortableSundials.com
Ancient gadgets from Earth
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SUNDIALS 3

 My second favourite sundial - actually made for use well into the C20th, in plastic!

Moore's Sun Watch

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Moore's Sun Watch


My favourite because it shows the juxtaposition of two times. It is a sundial made for use yet it was mass produced in plastic. Made to look like a fob watch you simply pop up the gnomon, point it using the compass and there is the time!
The dial is printed the same on the back, and has a second gnomon there too - just that you can only see the back of the compass box! The "compass" side is for use in the northern States of America, the reverse side for the southern States since the gnomon is at a smaller angle. It was made in Boston. The case is missing the bottom flap.
52mm diameter. 17mm high when unfolded. Weighs 12g.
£135.00
One of the most unusual dials, in solid silver with gold plate and rubies. Perfect reproduction.

Saxon Silver Sundial

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Saxon Silver Sundial


Only 250 of these were are. Perfect reproduction of the dial found in Cantebury Cathedral. The original dial, of which this is a copy, was found in 1939 in the soil of the Cloister Garth at Canterbury Cathedral in Kent. It was in the form of a tablet of silver, with a gold cap and chain. The gnomon consisted of a gold pin surmounted by a chased animal head with jewelled eyes and a ball in the mouth. 
This is reputedly the oldest pocket timepiece in the world! The months are arranged in pairs, six on either side of the sundial, with two spots marked on each.  Insert the pin into the hole appropriate to the month and hang the sundial facing the sun: the shadow of the pin will reach the lower spot at 12 noon, the upper at 9am and 3pm.  These are the hours of tierce, sext and nones, the monks' offices during the working day. 
This replica is made from solid silver and silver gilt and is set with 12 pink gems on the body 2 gems on the clasp and one on the pin which I think are rubies.  The piece is fully hallmarked for London and is presented in an attractive blue case with velvet inside.
The dial is of the finest quality. 
£125.00
This is a pretty desk-standing Edwardian thermometer. Good condition and lovely style. Working perfectly.

Silver Dragon Pillar Dial

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Silver Dragon Pillar Dial

Also called a Shepherd Dial, this is a gorgeous silver gadget! Worn as a necklace it is simple to use. It is inscribed with the months (and zodiac signs) around the base. Made in Marseille, France recently.

Turn the dragon round so it is above the correct month. Then and dangle it so that the dragons tail points towards the sun. The shadow cast will tell you the time - the lines allow for the equation of time adjustment.

54mm long. 20mm diameter . Weighs 14g.
£65.00
Very attractive antique silver dial. Could be worn as a necklace.

Silver Pillar Dial

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Silver Pillar Dial


Also called a Shepherd Dial, this is a gorgeous silver gadget! Worn as a necklace it is simple to use. It is inscribed with the months (and zodiac signs) around the base.
Turn the ring with the gnomon on it round so it is above the correct month. Then pull the gnomon up to its horizontal position and dangle the thing so that it points towards the sun. The shadow cast will tell you the time - the lines allow for the equation of time adjustment.
45mm long. 13mm diameter (24mm when open). Weighs 14g.
£195.00
Sundials can tell remarkably accurate time using only your local star or sun, on whatever planet you're from. Many types exist - pillar, diptych, equatorial and more.
There are different types of sundials: Some sundials use a line of light to indicate the time. Others use the edge of a shadow. The spot of light may be formed by allowing the sun's rays through a small hole or reflecting them from a small circular mirror. A line of light may be formed by allowing the rays through a thin slit or focusing them through a cylindrical lens. When the sundial reads by shadows, the shadow-casting object may be a thin rod, or any object with a sharp tip or a straight edge. Sundials employ many types of gnomon. The gnomon may be fixed or moved according to the season.
Wikipedia