PortableSundials.com

Ancient gadgets from Earth
Hi!
I hope you enjoy my treasures. Don't forget to choose your Postage at the bottom of this page before you check out!
Maybe you are a Reenactor - when from? Or Steam Punk - aiming anytime in particular? Perhaps you are fascinated by ingenious objects? Or a Collector, a Hoarder - or want a unique gift for a special person?
Our jewellery is amazing, kits are top quality working models - and the rest just endlessly fascinating!
I've tried to group things in a simple way. But maybe you'll just need to browse around to find what you want. NOTE: If it's small enough to be worn as a necklace then it will be on the Jewellery pages. All our Jewellery works! Don't forget to choose your Postage at the bottom of this page before you check out!
Interesting and useful articles. Plus a few odd takes on things. In particular my unique and original FREE sundial!
Also an interesting download "History of Barometers" as a PDF file - I have no idea where I got it from!
How can I help you?
Do you just want to chat - or maybe you'd like me to sell something for you?
I'm not an expert - so I can't help you identify things or price them.
Contact me by by using this form or by Email or Phone if you must! 07944 30 12 50

UNUSUAL SUNDIALS

 Pretty, small and colourful to enhance your display. Ceramic copies of sundials - 3D with a stand at the back.

Sundial Tiles

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Sundial Tiles


What you see is a packet xmm by x mm. In each pocket is a ceramic tile model of a sundial. Each one is different. If you have any instruments on display these will make a wonderful colourful addition to it. Each model is made with a piece at the back so that they will stand upright. These twelve come in a plastic case as you can perhaps see.
Each approx 25mm x 20mm. Weighs 84g (9g ea)
£25.00
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
Lovely pocket dial, possibly nickel, complete with case. Shiny, prettily engraved. Good to show!

Butterfield Sundial

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Butterfield Sundial


The green of brass underneath, the top surface is a bright tin colour with an etched brass gnomon. The whole is also etched prettily with scrolls, arabic and roman numerals, TEMPUS FUGIT, as it does, and has an inset compass. It is octagonal in shape.
It has its own leather case which it slides into easily. This is a real pocket or handbag sundial being flat and cased!

More information here about this type of sundial


54mm by 63mm. 9mm high. Weighs 24g.
£150.00
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.
Sundials also may use many types of surfaces to receive the light or shadow. Planes are the most common surface, but partial spheres, cylinders, cones and other shapes have been used for greater accuracy or beauty. Sundials differ in their portability and their need for orientation. The installation of many dials requires knowing the local latitude, the precise vertical direction (e.g., by a level or plumb-bob), and the direction to true North.
Wikipedia