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Description: | Cast copper-alloy sundial box lid. The box would have contained an equinoctial sundial and the lid is laid out as an early type of nocturnal. Circular with hinge at top with traces of iron axis. A copper-alloy pointer is secured at the centre of the lid with a flat copper-alloy rivet. The upper surface is divided into twelve sections by an engraved line which joins the first of two engraved concentric circles. Each section has a longer central engraved line with two shorter ones at either side and an etched symbol. The lower edge is slightly damaged. Very smooth and even mid-green patina.D: 36 Wt: 7.89gNocturnals were used as an instrument to tell the time at night with the help of the stars. According to a horologist at the British Museum, one of the most important features of a nocturnal is the central hole. However, this example is rivetted in the centre which prevents its proper use as a nocturnal. It is possible that the symbols were added at a later date.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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