Authentic Models 18th Century Sundial & Compass

Vintage Brass

The Authentic Models 18th Century Sundial & Compass is antique science and history captured in vintage-style aged brass. It has been given a beautiful aged finish in hand buffed duotone. This is the perfect gift for lovers of nautical, scientific or technological history.

Sundial

Before the widespread use of clocks and watches, people lived by sundial time. Every village and town functioned on local time, depending on local latitude. The arrival of trains and mail coach traffic created a need for coordinated time. The travel sundial needed a compass to find north. Raising the triangular gnomon (the part which casts the shadow) upright while pointing the compass needle North will show the time. The correct time will show only if the local latitude corresponds to the angle of gnomon. 

Exploration and Innovation

The compass truly was the implement that changed the Renaissance world, forever. Set sail for the rumoured Spice Islands, legendary Cathay, or even the South Lands with the instrument of exploration and navigation that allowed sailers to cross vast oceans, and explorers to discover new continents. Through centuries of technological innovation, sailers managed to chart the entire world. By inventing a magnetized needle rotating on a vertical pin, pointing at the Earth's magnetic North, 16th century sailors accustomed to following coastlines, could suddenly cross oceans. A brand new world opened up for all.