A James Simons silvered brass portable sundial and perpetual calendar, English, circa 1780,
signed J Simons London, circular sundial with hour scale in Roman numerals, engraved compass rose with cardinal points, hinged gnomon for approximately 52 degrees, the reverse engraved with cities and their latitudes for London, Constantinople, Rome, Bombay, Dublin, Madrid, Vienna and Petersburgh, the lid engraved with perpetual calendar The Universal Timetable S Kingdon inv.,
the dial 1 1/2in x 2 1/2in x 2 1/2in (4cm x 6 1/5cm x 6 1/5cm) when open, 1/2in x 2 1/2in x 2 1/2in (1cm x 6 1/5cm x 6 1/5cm) when closed
Footnotes:
Provenance:
Trevor Philip & Sons Ltd., London, 1992.
Private collection.

James Simons was an optician and mathematical instrument makers with premises' at the sign of Si Isaac newton's Head opposite Glasshouse St., London.

Some wear to silvered lid showing brass beneath, otherwise in good condition.