• HEMISFERIUM

The Pizarro Dial is named after Francisco Pizarro, the 15th century Spanish Conquistador who defeated the Incas and claimed most of South America for Spain. He used the dial on his expeditions to Peru where he is remembered for founding the city of Lima.

This is an attractive portable sundial and makes an interesting present.

• HEMISFERIUM

Quadrants with a compass, introduced in the 15th century, were the first portable sundials. The compass served to face the quadrant toward the north and the gnomon (a piece of cord or a flexible triangle) could be raised or lowered to accommodate the latitude where the compass is used. The golden age of sundials lasted from the 15th century to the end of the 18th.

This model has a Compass Rose in the upper part with a needle to determine the 32 different rhumbs.

• HEMISFERIUM

Quadrants with a compass, introduced in the 15th century, were the first portable sundials. The compass served to face the quadrant toward the north and the gnomon (a bit of cord or a flexible triangle) could be raised or lowered to accommodate the latitude where the compass is used. The golden age of sundials lasted from the 15th century to the end of the 18th.

• ANTIQUUS

This reproduction of a 16th century compass is made to look like a small book. Beatiful to look at and useful as well.

94mm x 67mm x 23mm

• GERMAN SUNDIAL

This sundial is a replica of one made in Germany and dated 1643.

It is a single latitude dial (40 degrees) and its brass gnomon support is movable and fits into a small metal bush for use. The decoration of the floating compass card is particularly attractive. The case is made of beech .

METHOD OF USE

Position the gnomon support in the vertical position, then rotate the whole compass until the Lys flower on the floating compass (North) coincides with the number 12 of the quadrant. The thread casts a shadow which gives the sun´s time.

Makes an attractive ornament on a windowsill

• ANTIQUUS

Set this sundial on a sunlit table or window sill, align it with its built-in compass and it will tell you the time according to the Sun.It can be adjusted for different latitudes.

A practical and decorative gift that will attract attention and stimulate discussion.

Size: 110mm x 95mm x 140mm

• ANTIQUUS

This intriguing instrument consists of a horizontal sundial mounted on a floating compass plate housed in a beechwood case.

The compass automatically seeks magnetic north and the sundial then indicates the time without any adjustments being made by the owner.

The Magnetic compass dial was introduced by Fraser in the late 18th century.

Approx 100mm diameter

• HEMISFERIUM

Named after the book of tables published by Maria Cunitz in 1650, this elegant magnetic compass and sundial in its Renaissance-stayle case pays homage to one of the most notable female astronomers of the modern era.

Inside the case there is a folding gnomon mounted on a magnetic compass.

Height: 1.12 inches Width: 3.36 inches

• ANTIQUUS

The Shepherd Sundial dates back to the 11th century and the German Monk, Hermanus Contractus (1013-1054), is thought to be its inventor. Since then, this instrument has enjoyed immense popularity and can be found all over the world, and there is not a museum or private collection anywhere that does not display one.

This inexpensive replica makes an attractive present and can be used to illustrate the principle of operation.

• ANTIQUUS

This is a superior version of the Shepherd Sundial described above. The illustration around the cylinder is engraved on brass.

• HEMISFERIUM

This replica of the most wide-spread sundial is a luxury version that would have been owned by someone of social importance. It is richly decorated and carries two gnomons. Similar examples were made with noble materials such as ivory, exotic wood, brass or marble.

Height 10"/25.5cm

• ANTIQUUS

The polyhedral sundial represents the pinnacle of the sundial designers art.

Its different sides are illuminated at different times as the sun moves, and the time can be read from the illuminated side that is most convenient.

This model is an accurate replica of the one manufactured by Stefano Buonsignori in the XVI century which is located in the Institute and Museum of Science in Florence. The sundial has eighteen hexagonal sides of which seventeen correspond to solar quadrants with different orientations and inclinations.

Price: £52.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

• HEMISFERIUM

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.

• ANTIQUUS

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

• Editor: Mike Cowham

Published: 2005. 258 pages. Hardback

This beautiful book takes us on a journey to every corner of our Islands to visit sundials chosen by local experts. On the way we encounter fascinating buildings, stately homes, churches and beautiful scenery.

Many of us think of a sundial as an object on a pedestal in the garden but in these pages you will learn of the wide diversity of dial design and the variety of materials from which they may be constructed. The historical period covers Saxon times to the present day.

In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in dials leading modern dial-makers to produce some fascinating and often innovative designs. This book is a must for anyone interested in sundials and makes a great present.

Reduced from £48.50 - Massive Saving