Images(4)

Compass with Sundial

Creator Leonhard Andreas Karner

Date1700-1770

Classification(s)

Navigation and Timekeeping / Magnetic and Astronomical

Object TypeMariner's Compass; Magnetic Compass; Sundial

Registration NumberMMM 001188

DescriptionA miniature Diptych dial for 49° North. It consists of two leaves that fold flat when not in use. Leaf 1 exterior is blank except for a double-lined border. Leaf 1 interior contains the vertical dial with hour-lines radiating from a double circle. Within the circle are five trefoil motifs and a snowflake motif. The leaf has a double-lined border. Leaf 2 interior features the compass with the hours for the horizontal dial set around it. The string gnomon is broken.

The compass has the cardinal points marked in Latin and is offset 20° West of North to allow for magnetic variation. At the bottom of the leaf are three trefoil motifs and a double-lined border. A brass pin for keeping the leaves aligned when closed is on the bottom right. Leaf 2 exterior is blank. The leaves have a brass hook fastener and a single brass hook for holding the dial open.
InscriptionsLeaf 2, interior, cardinal points in Latin "Sept" [for septentrio], "Mari" [for meridies], "Occ" [for occidens], and "Orie" [for oriens]. Numerical inscriptions related to its function as a sundial, interior only.Annotations and MarksLeaf 2, interior marked with a hand which is the maker's mark (Karner).Material

Boxwood

Dimensions5.5cm x 3.8cm x 5.1cmPublished ReferencesDiptych dial | Royal Museums Greenwich (rmg.co.uk)

Alternate ID Numbers