Compass and sundial (Fragment)

Description

These two lathe-turned and engraved ivory disks with threaded bezels that do not fit together are fragments of a case that very likely once held a compass sundial, or a mariner's navigation instrument, now missing its middle section. The interior of one disk, "B," holds a smooth circular brass insert that is immobile at present. If it could safely be removed, perhaps the ivory interior and the brass's other side could confirm this case's use or indicate another purpose. Nathaniel Dominy IV scratched and engraved his name or initials in several locations on these disks, a practice exhibited on his other tools. It is likely that he adapted these ivory fragments for a new purpose within his watch repair workshop.