• HEMISFERIUM

Although known as the astronomical ring, it is a form of pocket sundial and can be used to give local solar time anywhere in the world. Its use was widespread during the 18th century.

The two rings open out to represent the equator and local meridian; the central bar represents the Earth's axis. When the ring is adjusted for latitude and date it is then suspended and rotated until sunlight shining through the central hole strikes the time scale. When this happens the solar time can be read. In addition, the outer ring will be aligned north-south and the equatorial ring will be parallel to the Earth's equator. Have fun working out why this should be.

Diameter approx 3 inches

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This early form of Sextant is more properly called an Octant and is a reproduction of a mid 17th century instrument. By semi-accurately measuring the height of stars or the sun, the Octant allows navigators to determine geographic latitude.

In 1731 John Hadley (England) and Thomas Godfrey (Philadelphia, U.S.A.), demonstrated the Octant, independently. The arc of an Octant is 45º or 1/8 of a circle (hence its name) and is divided into 90 parts each ½ degree. The Sextant (1757) replaced the wood frame with metal and progressively took the Octant´s place. It is still used today.

Like all our replicas, this one works and can be used to determine your latitude. Height: 320mm, Width: 275mm, Depth: 65mm.

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This model is a reproduction of a mobile cubic quadrant that dates back to 1736, and is thought to be the invention of David Beringer of Hapsburg (Germany).

It is made up of an articulated arm, which allows us to incline the cube in a North-South direction, and a plumb line on the eastern side that moves along a graduated scale and can be used to adapt the instrument to the latitude of the measurer.

A delightful ornament and source of interest for anyone with an enquiring mind.

190mm high x 140mm wide.

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Most 'perpetual' calendars work over a relatively short span such as 50 years. This one works from January 1st 1600 to December 31st 2799 so will still be useful to many future generations.

Based on a repeating cycle of 400 years and a solar cycle of 28 years, it works by means of the "Dominical Letter". Have fun finding out what this means and impress your friends.

Solid Brass. Diameter 90mm by 6mm thick.

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The name is derived from the best known version of this solar clock, in which the path of the pearl in both tropics traces two lines that resemble the hood of Capuchin monks. The quadrant goes back to the 15th century, although the date is not precise.

This model is a sea-going, local-hour quadrant of a type called a clinometer. It is a reproduction and has been calculated for a latitude of 51.5º N

Solid Brass

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Augsburg-made sundials enjoyed great popularity during the 18th century. This one replicates a model made by Johann Georg Vogler who belonged to the fourth generation of a legendary line of goldsmiths in Ausburg, Germany.

The Voglers contributed to the popularization of these instruments which became known as "Augsburg Clocks".

The wooden base which contains the compass is 100mm x 100mm and the maximum height of the hour scale is also 100mm.

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This is a replica of a Nocturnal and Tide Computer from 1570, signed by Humphrey Cole. The original instrument can be found in the British Museum, London.

One of its faces is a Nocturnal and the other is a Tide Computer. The Nocturnal or star clock is used to obtain the time at night using the fixed stars in the sky. The abacus or tide computer is used to calculate the time of the tides.

118mm high x 97mm wide x 14mm thick.

• ANTIQUUS

Use this beautiful lunar calendar to determine the phase of the Moon and to explore its relationship with the tides.

Made from solid brass it is attractive and functional.

Diameter 100mm, thickness 8mm.

• ANTIQUUS

Suitable for indoor use in a sunny position this sundial provides an attractive way of displaying solar time.

• ANTIQUUS

Armillary spheres were developed by the Greeks in antiquity for use as teaching tools. In larger and more precise forms they were also used as observational instruments. The small armillary sphere is a fully working model that will look good in any home.

Height 350mm, diameter 210mm.

• ANTIQUUS

Similar to the small armillary sphere above but larger and more impressive. The larger dials and markings make it easier to use.

Height 460mm, diameter 260mm.