Code BA11092837: Antique Leather-Cased Silver Equinoctial Sundial Compass, Hallmarked London 1908
| This is an important and extremely rare equinoctial silver sundial compass made in 1908. This example seems to be a special order and many details tend to prove this thesis. The hunter case is made of sterling silver and is fully hallmarked for London 1908. The quality of the case is exceptional and the maker strived to demonstrate this aspect by hallmarking every single part of the entire instrument. Even the smallest part such as the gnomon has a silver hallmark. A hallmark under the equation of time was intentionally erased. The retailer of the instrument has done this on other similar instruments. However, with a trained eye and with a string loupe, it is almost sure that this hallmarks was F. B. & Sn. Barker & Son was a very well known compass maker at that time and instrument provider to many other retailers. Another important detail that makes this instrument unique is that the equation of time is engraved inside the lid instead of being printed on a sticker. This is very unusual on this kind of sundials. Another important detail is that the maker wanted to equip the compass with a hidden transit lock similar to those used on spring hunter cases, which is very unusual on a hinged snap case. The silver is mirror-finished and reflects the quality of the instrument. It is virtually in mint condition without any dings, scratches or tarnishing, which indicates that it was always stored in ideal conditions. The inner dial is made of a white silvered metal with English cardinal points. The chapter ring is graduated every 2 degrees and numbered every 10 degrees in four quadrants from 0 to 90 degrees. This is really a universal compass since it has both North and South latitudes. The dial is signed NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, LONDON. The dial is covered with a glass crystal in excellent condition without chips or scratches. The compass can be used with a latitude chapter and a folding gnomon to read the solar time on two chapter rings: one for northern hemisphereand one for the southern hemisphere. The quality bar needle has a jewelled brass cap, is very precise and finds North without any problem. The sundial comes in its original leather case, which is also in mint condition. It has a string hinge and a sprung button to open and close the lid. The base of the case is cushioned with velvet and the lid is fabric lined and marked: By appointment to H. M. THE QUEEN GOLDSMITHS & CROWN JEWELLERS GARRARD & CO. LTD. 112, REGENT STREET This instrument was really stored in ideal conditions, which prevented the silver from tarnishing and kept it in almost mint condition. The silver case has a diameter of approximately 53mm. The leather case measures about 63mm in diameter. |
Price: US $6,500 (Lay-by Plan Available)
Shipping: FREE
