Portable sundial

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This portable sundial, for use in Indian latitudes, was made in the late 19th century, probably in London, for Charles Nephew & Co., scientific instrument makers based in Calcutta in India.

The brass sundial is permanently fixed in its wooden case which is fitted with three levelling screws. The arm is graduated from 0 to 60 degrees. The instrument is engraved by the scale 'Charles Nephew & Co./ Calcutta'.

The dial was made for sale in Calcutta, where the long hours of sunlight at lower latitudes would have made it a saleable item. By this date, however, most people who could afford pocket sundials would carry watches.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-668-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1923.24
• Date: Late 19th century
  
• Material: Brass, wooden case
  Sundial, portable
  
• Dimensions: 4.50" D (case)
  
• What: Sundial, portable
  
• Subject: 20. TIME MEASUREMENT, Sundials (Departmental Classification)
  
• Who: Charles Nephew and Co., Calcutta, India (Sundial maker)
  
• Where: England, London
  India, West Bengal, Calcutta
  
• Event:
• Description: Portable sundial of brass, for use in Indian latitudes, permanently fixed in a wooden case, probably made in London for Charles Nephew and Co., Calcutta, late 19th century
  
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