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25-12-2018, 12:09 PM
1

What is this?

I picked this thing up recently. I have no idea what it is or used for.
It has a working compass, and a hole in the top. There is no lens in the hole.
There is also a length of thread in side and out. The brass pointer on the top swivels.


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25-12-2018, 12:41 PM
2

Re: What is this?

No idea but it is lovely whatever it is. Contains the answer to the meaning of life perhaps?
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25-12-2018, 12:46 PM
3

Re: What is this?

The Latin inscription means for everything there is a season so perhaps some kind of time keeping device?
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25-12-2018, 12:48 PM
4

Re: What is this?

Quite obviously a thingummyjig for a whatsisname...
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25-12-2018, 12:52 PM
5

Re: What is this?

Originally Posted by Judd ->
The Latin inscription means for everything there is a season so perhaps some kind of time keeping device?
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 1
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25-12-2018, 12:52 PM
6

Re: What is this?

Omnius Tempus Habent 'a time for everything'

It looks like some kind of time piece..
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25-12-2018, 12:56 PM
7

Re: What is this?

It's a portable sundial.

Could be very useful if you're out in the middle of nowhere and you want to know the time.

Of course, not much use just at the moment!
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25-12-2018, 01:20 PM
8

Re: What is this?

It's beautiful; you should keep it. It wouldn't take an horology expert long to find out exactly what it is. Maybe that's all it is an ornate yet practical compass
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25-12-2018, 01:31 PM
9

Re: What is this?

Originally Posted by Ffosse ->
It's beautiful; you should keep it. It wouldn't take an horology expert long to find out exactly what it is. Maybe that's all it is an ornate yet practical compass
No, it's definitely a portable sundial.

The string (when taut) is what casts the shadow which designates the time. The compass is to ensure it is set up in the correct direction, otherwise the time indication would be useless.

It looks like it has various means of adjusting for different times of the year.

I'll give you five bob for it!
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25-12-2018, 02:09 PM
10

Re: What is this?

Thanks people yes some of you are correct. It is a sundial.
I only got this yesturday, and as I was studying it I realised that if it was pointed north and I shined a light on it the string does cast a shadow.
Now I must discover what is the top for. It also has a string and that brass pointer.
 
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