Antique navigational tool from the 1800's: a pantochronometer or pocket sundial compass.

It consist of a compass with a gnomon on top. The gnomon's shadow reflects on an engraved ring marked with Roman numerals and thus indicates the time. The compass is for always orienting the gnomon in the right direction.

Our pantochronometer has a wooden case with lid, a hand-colored paper compass rose with a traditional fleur-de-lis indicating North and a steel needle rotating on a pivot in the case. The compass card is signed Helburn, 1928. The original gnomon is not present anymore, it has been replaced by another just to show how it works.

As can be expected of a hand-held item of almost 200 years there are some signs of ageing and usage. As mentioned before the gnomon has been replaced, the compass card shows some ageing and there are some repairs visible on the wooden lid. So take a good look at the photos for a good impression!

The diameter of the pantochronometer is 55mm, the height is 35 mm and the weight is only 43 grams. 

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