First time at auction…

Northwestern Europe, England, ca. 15th to 17th century CE. A collection of 2 wooden combs, a shell ring, and an elephant ivory astronomical instrument known as a diptych dial - a pocket sundial. A compass to orientate the instrument and not only indiated time but could provide calendrical, astrological and lunar information - this example has hinged panls that opened to reveal dials and other markings to help orient the user- both engraved into the ivory and on a paper sheet inserted into the face. The combs are both "H" shaped, framing the teeth that run along both sides - narrow for cleaning (lice) and wider teeth for hair dressing- this type of comb was first used in northern Europe during the Early medieval period and was . The ring, which is still wearable- is a simple design, carved from the spiral tip of a shell. Size of sundial: 3" L x 2.5" W x 0.6" H (7.6 cm x 6.4 cm x 1.5 cm)

This is an ESA antique exempt piece of elephant ivory and cannot be sold internationally to several countries or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Oregon, and Washington DC. Please check your country?s laws before bidding on this piece.

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000

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#159812

Missing teeth on combs as shown, with chips and abrasions as shown. Sundial is in fair to good condition, missing compass needle and glass inlays. Chips to ivory lids, creading and fading to paper inset. Green patina to metal hinges. Ring is intact and wearable.