Shepherd’s dial

An 18th-century portable wooden sundial. This object belongs to the “shepherd’s column” family, as it is cylindrical and portable. It consists of a main body topped by a cap. Hour and month markings are engraved on the body of the dial. To tell the time, one simply positions the cap’s blade horizontally above the current date. Once the dial is held vertically facing the sun, the blade’s shadow indicates the time on the body. When the dial is being transported, the blade folds down into the cap.

Period: 18th century

Dimensions:
Height: 18.5 cm
Diameter: 3 cm

Condition: Good