Sundial- Octogonal Brass

This small box is a Pocket Sundial, a reproduction of a Dyptich dial.It has a engraved brass top decoration.Portable sundials were widely used between 15th-17th Centuries. There were lots of models, made of different materials from basic to luxurious ivory, beautifully decorated or for everyday use.The gnomon or string will mark it with its shadow the local solar time (not always coincide with official time). For a correct measure the compass inside must indicate the North (XII).