A rare Georgian mahogany cased pocket sundial compass probably by William Simms, London c1820

Pocket sundial compass having 2″ diameter finely drawn 32-point paper rose displaying cardinals, intercardinals and false points, fleur de lys at north, and quadrant scale 0°-90°-0°-90°-0°. Maker’s signature to paper edge above north. Blued steel needle with gilt dot indicating north suspended on brass crown pivot under flat glass. Silvered brass chapter ring for Northern latitudes with hours running clockwise from 4am across noon to 8pm, folding brass gnomon.

Fitted to a square mahogany travel case with brass hinges and twin brass swinging catch closures.

Condition: The instrument in very good original condition, the compass rose clear, the needle easily finding north. The original glass with a few light marks and casting flaws. The chapter ring with almost all its original silvering, the gnomon articulating correctly. The mahogany case in very good condition, two small hand-inked annotations.

Comments: This pocket equinoctial sundial compass is a rare instrument. The maker’s signature truncated so difficult to be absolutely sure, but appears to be “W. Simms.” William Simms (I) was a member of the well-respected family of compass makers, working in London between 1793 and 1822.

In lovely original condition, one for the collector and connoisseur alike.