RARE BRITISH & IRISH VERSION OF ANSONIA SUNWATCH c1922

British & Irish Ansonia Sunwatch_1a
Ansonia Sunwatch c1922

A scarce Ansonia Sunwatch manufactured specifically for the British and Irish markets complete with original instruction booklet c1922


Sunwatch of lacquered brass construction, comprising lidded sundial, the dial plate printed with principal latitude set at 51 degrees (London), hour lines, retractable gnomon, the lower part with magnetic compass having blued steel needle, and marked with cardinals, intercardinals and magnetic variation, and “Made in France.” Lower part of sun watch further marked “Manufactured by the Ansonia Clock Co. USA” and “Patent Pending.” The inside lid with “Tables of Latitudes, Etc.” listing 33 principal British and Irish cities with corresponding positions expressed in latitude and longitude together with magnetic declination, and “Equation” featuring date and corresponding time variance. Snap closure on a button release.

Complete with original Sunwatch instruction booklet for “Great Britain and the Irish Free State” by George Hollinwood, printed by Lounsbury & Co, 19 Platt Street, New York, USA with copyright notice dated 1922.

This version of this Sunwatch is rarely seen, as the vast majority of these were destined for the US market.

Condition: Essentially in used but generally good condition, some slight losses to lacquered finish to outside of the case, very small dent to base. The interior crisp with minimal signs of age. The instruction booklet with some creasing and minor distress to page edges. Presentable collectable condition.

Comments: First designed and manufactured by The Ansonia Clock Co, New York, USA, (patent June 6, 1922 by George Hollinwood, The Ansonia Clock Co., 7th Av. 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY), the model was later retailed by Outdoor Supply Co. after Ansonia was sold in 1929 to a Russian company. There were five versions: two for the American market, one for the British/Irish market, one for the Australian/New Zealand market, and one for the Canadian market.

Dimensions: 2" wide x 3" deep x ⅜" high

Stock No: SI2541

Price: £150