Code BA130920478: Wooden English Sundial and Compass by Beilby of Bristol, c. 1820
|
This an extremely
rare sundial compass dating from around 1820. It is housed in a mahogany case still in
excellent condition
with a strong hinges.
No damage. The hooks are present and work fine to secure the lid when closed.
Inside the lid, there is a sticker with the signature of the maker:
Beilby, OPTICIAN, CLARE STREET, BRISTOL Richard and charles Beilby were known as active instrument makers in the first half of the 19th century. The gnomon is yellow brass. It must be unfolded to read the solar time on the circular ring above the glass crystal that covers the compass. The glass crystal and gnomon are in excellent condition without any damage. The compass has a flat needle with a crown shaped brass cap. The dial has a typically nautical design with a nice compass rose. It points North with precision and there is a transit lock that comes into operation when the lid is closed. The size of this rare and quality example is 73 mm square by 28 mm deep. |
SOLD
