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Brass "pillbox" Compass & Sundial: A sundial compass of this type was found in the remains of an officer's hut on Rogers Island in 1965. The main base for Rogers Rangers, the famous forerunners of the modern Green Berets. The compass was found hidden in what was once the fireplace. A great reproduction of an original piece. Circa. 1750 |
According to legend, almost 900 years ago in the year 1152, Eleanor of Aquitaine gifted a sundial ring to King Henry II of England. Apparently, the gift was to let him know when to leave the daily hunt and return for their love trysts. Henry had a copy of Lady Aquitaine's ring dial made for his lady, had it inlaid with diamonds, and engraved the words "Carpe Diem" or "Seize the Day" on it. Hence, the name "Aquitaine".
Unlike sundials which mark time with a shadow, the Aquitaine and use a focused ray of sunlight, that falls on the inside of the ring to mark the passage of time.
We at the Mountain Top are pleased to offer you two different models of these exquisite works of sundial art, enjoy!
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The Saturn Ring Dial Necklace Sundial
Saturn is the Roman name of the Greek god Kronos, a vengeful god and father of the chief god of the Greek Pantheon, Zeus. Chronos (Time) was another god who was depicted as a nubile lad. However, by the time of the Renaissance, Chronos began to take on the attributes of vengeful Kronos in depictions of Father Time. Thus, the Saturn dial may have a confused mythology behind it.
This dial is placed on a flat surface and automatically inclines to a 45 degree angle. The dial is turned so that the number XII points to true north. A bead of light on the glass gives the approximate local time.
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The Explorer Sundials
Sundials use the angle or altitude of the sun to mark the passing hours, and these change with latitude and season. In the heroic age of exploration, the Explorer sundial was developed to adjust for latitude and this dial was favored by early navigators and travelling merchants.
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