Brass Sundial Compass Value Guide

This portable brass sundial compass, manufactured in India between 2000 and 2023, serves as a functional tribute to 17th-century navigational tools. It combines a magnetic compass for orientation with a folding gnomon, making it a popular decorative collectible for maritime enthusiasts.

What affects the value of Brass Sundial Compass?

• Condition of the brass surface, specifically the presence of heavy tarnishing or scratches on the metal.
• Mechanical functionality, ensuring the gnomon hinges correctly and the compass needle aligns to magnetic north.
• Completeness of the set, such as the inclusion of a matching wooden or leather storage case which can maintain the $25 value.
• Clarity of the engraved hour scales and degree markings on the sundial plate.

How to Identify Brass Sundial Compass?

• Check for a bright, polished brass finish typical of modern Indian reproductions from the 2000-2023 era.
• Look for a hinged, triangular gnomon that can be folded flat against the compass glass or dial plate.
• Inspect the underside or dial for 'Made in India' markings, which are common on these contemporary decorative versions.
• Verify the presence of a functional magnetic needle housed beneath a glass-covered compass rose.

History of Brass Sundial Compass

Sundial compasses combine two ancient navigational and time-telling instruments. Sundials have been used since antiquity to tell time by the sun's position. Compasses, originating in China, were later adopted in the West for navigation. Portable sundial compasses, often made of brass, became popular from the 17th century onwards, especially for travelers and explorers. Today, many are produced as decorative items or functional reproductions, paying homage to these historical tools.