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Pocket Sundial and Compass

PeriodCirca 1785 - 1790

Place MadeNuremberg, Germany

MediumBasswood, printed and hand colored paper, steel, iron, brass

Dimensions0.5 × 1.63 × 2.63 in. (1.3 × 4.1 × 6.7 cm)

ClassificationsClocks

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Jennie S. Van Mater, in memory of her son Samuel C. Van Mater, 1935

Object number817

DescriptionA small wooden pocket sundial case, opening to reveal a compass under glass. A string gnomen on the interior is set to 50 degrees (city of Prag). The interior features a colorized sundial and latitudes. Paper on the back depicts all major cities in Europe. A small metal hook in the front locks the closed case, while a second hook in the back locks it in the open position.The printed paper on the sundial's cover includes Amsterdam, Barcelona, Basel, Brussels, Bordeau, Cologne, Copenhagen, Cracau (Krakow), Dresden, Danzig, Frankfurt, Florence, Krfurth (Erfurt), Genoa, Hamburg, Lisbon, London, Marseilles, Madrid, Naples, Offen, Prague, Paris, Riga, Turin, Lyons, Petersburg, and Venice, with many of the city names spelled Germanically.
Curatorial RemarksThis rare surviving pocket sundial and compass is attributed to Johann Georg Kleininger (1763 - 1806) of Nuremberg. Kleininger specialized in fine scientific instruments such as this pocket sundial. Made around 1790 or so, the box still retains its hand-colored paper panels, compass dial, and case. Although the outside panels are quite worn, the inside is astonishingly fresh and bright, with beautiful scrolling leaves and vines. Small instruments of this sort were exceptionally expensive at the time and were obvious signs of wealth and access. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, instruments of this type were made completely by hand, requiring extensive training and skill.NotesAlthough the original owner and user of this pocket sundial and compass is not specifically known, it is believed to have descended through the Van Mater family, and possibly was originally a possession of Chrineyonce Van Mater (1747-1808) who operated successful mills in Colts Neck. Donor Jennie Campbell Van Mater donated the compass in memory of her son Samuel C. Van Mater, who died in a tragic car accident on Route 537 in Colts Neck on April 13, 1935.

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ProvenanceAttributed To Chrineyonce Van Mater (1747-1808) to his son Joseph Holmes Van Mater (1776-1860) to his son Joseph I. Van Mater (1825-1907) to his son Joseph Holmes Van Mater (1867-1907) to his wife Jennie Campbell Van Mater (1868 -1959)