Scarce Antique circa Late 18c/Early 19c Regency Period Miniature Brass Pocket Sundial and Compass plate featuring an original folding gnomon which has most likely been later soldered and fixed in position.

The phrase on the brass sundial reads "WISHING YOU MANY SUNNY HOURS" (Hand single type stamped upside down along the top and bottom borders) is a classic, sentimental motto.
The reverse side of the brass plate features two small, hand-hammered rivets right in the center.

Approximate dimensions are 2” by 2” in width at a height of roughly 0.75” and a plate thickness of 1.5-2mm and weighing 22g.

What This Tells Us
* Gnomon Attachment: These two square-ish rivets are the attachment points for the triangular gnomon on the front. This construction confirms that the shadow-caster was separate from the plate, pushed through two slots, and hammered flat (peened) on the back to lock it in place.
* Completely Flat Profile: The total absence of a threaded screw hole, support brackets, or rim feet proves this was never mounted to a larger garden pedestal or a column.
* It tells the time, but it is not a compass.
* The hour ring with Roman numerals (IV to XII to VIII) and the central gnomon allow it to act as a fully functioning sundial when aligned correctly.
* The "compass rose" engraved in the center is strictly stationary artwork and features no moving magnetic needle, meaning it cannot dynamically locate north on its own.
* To read the time, you must manually align the engraved N marker on the plate to point toward geographic North using an external compass or landmark.

If this piece originally came with a case or box, it would have been paired with a simple square, brass-inlaid hardwood storage box (typically made of sheesham or rosewood) with a simple front brass latch. but many of these tokens were also sold loose or inside a basic, small drawstring velvet pouch.

Sold as is condition and history, a fine original scarce example!