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Portable sundial

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made in Paris

Portable sundial
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This silver portable sundial was made in Paris in the 18th century, probably by Jean Baptiste Delure. This photograph shows the instrument folded flat.

The gnomon is in the form of a rod which folds flat. The arc on the reverse of the hinged piece which has Delure's signature, is graduated from 0 to 90 degrees to enable the user to set it to a local latitude. The sundial is then orientated with the compass, and the time can be read, if the sun is shining.

Pocket sundials, especially made in silver, were made for wealthy travellers, who could impress friends and acquaintances by demonstrating their knowledge in using it.

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