A rare pocket equinoctial sundial compass by Elliott Brothers London in original case c1870

Equinoctial sundial having 1⅝″ diameter compass with silvered and engraved hand-decorated dial, displaying cardinals and intercardinals, and quadrant scale 0°-90°-0°-90°-0°. Bar needle on jewelled suspension under flat crystal held within an oxidised brass bezel. Oxidised brass case with side mounted transit lock and silvered arc of latitude from 0-60°, silvered chapter ring for Northern latitudes, with hours running clockwise from 4am across noon to 8pm, marked “Elliott Bros, London” to bottom. Folding oxidised brass gnomon.

Complete with its correct burgundy leather over timber, dark blue velvet lined travel case, the bottom with paper table for equation of time. Twin swinging catch closure.

Condition: The instrument generally crisp, the compass dial clear, the needle easily finding north, the arc and gnomon articulating correctly. The brass case retaining most of its original oxidised brass finish. The silvered chapter ring and side arc with losses and aging.

The travel case, serviceable and structurally sound, with some losses to leather and a slight warp often found in these larger slimmer style cases. The paper table with some small tears.

Comments: This pocket equinoctial sundial compass is a rare instrument from a respected retailer and manufacturer of scientific instruments, the finely engraved dial and swinging catches confirming a date in the mid-19th century.

A collector’s piece.