The use of the pocket sundial is documented from the second half of the 15^th century. From 1480, the Nuremberg guild of compass-makers specialized in producing this predecessor of the pocket watch. The pocket sundial is a dyptich, that is, it consists of two tablets, hinged together and opening at right angles. The tiny compass in the lower tablet serves to orient the instrument. The cord connecting the two tablets is taut when they open, and its shadow indicates the time. Tablet sundials were also made of boxwood, ivory or brass.

 

dimensions: 30 x 31 mm

provenance: Nijmegen (NL) date: AD 1564