19th Century Chinese (Hong Kong) Pocket Sundial with Compass in Original Lidded Case

Regular price $75.00

I have an obsession with pocket sundials--I love the very idea of them, a portable time teller in absence of a watch, with flip up blade at the ready to read the sun-- but this is only the second I've found. This one I believe is Chinese, and other similar examples I have found out there indicate specifically from Hong Kong, later 19th century, while it was under British rule. The brass angle (gnomon) can be rested flat to either side, then when ready to use flipped up and locked into a notch at the center of the arched brass rest at top. Direction is established by the nicely detailed compass at bottom the left, and Roman numerals on the paper surface mark the hours 8 through 3. In addition there are handwritten Chinese characters (in ink) at top and bottom center. I am not very skilled at using a compass, but it appears to be in working order--unless very practiced I'm not sure I'd say throw the watch away, but what a wonderful, and beautiful, instrument. in original metal case with fitted lid to keep it safe in the pocket! 

2 5/8" in diameter, 7/16" t with cover. All in very good condition, general wear and nice patina, all to the good.