SUNDIAL

Unique ID: DOR-251254

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

Notes:

These sundials are known as simple ring dials or poke dials ('poke' being an archaic word for pocket). The sliding collar would be set into position for the month of the year and, when the dial was suspended vertically, the sun would shine through the hole in the lozenge-shaped piece, through the slot, and onto the interior of the ring. The hour could then be read by looking at the closest gradation mark to the spot of light on the interior of the ring. Turner states "A cheap dial, it was popular during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries among country people who kept it in their poke, or pocket. Not infrequently they are literally unearthed" (Turner 1980, 25).

Class: Pocket sundial

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1600
Date to: Circa AD 1800

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Length: 46.67 mm
Width: 9.84 mm
Thickness: 1.73 mm
Weight: 12.61 g

Personal details

This information is restricted for your access level.

Other reference numbers

Other reference: SCMS 022311

Materials and construction

Primary material: Copper alloy
Completeness: Incomplete