Nova Scotia Archives

Lunenburg by the Sea

Pocket sundial in brass case

This example of a pocket sundial was brought to Nova Scotia from Holland by the Rev. Bruin R. Comingo, the first Presbyterian minister in the province. Manufactured in Holland about 1760, it was the forerunner of the pocketwatch and was used by pointing to the north using the compass in the base, then reading the time as indicated by the shadow on the vertical vane or 'Gnomen'.

Date: ca. 1760

Reference: Artifacts Collection Nova Scotia Archives no. 130.7

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