{"product_id":"compass-german-18th-century-foldable-compass-in-gilt-bronze","title":"LORENZ GRASSL German 18th Century Antique Foldable Compass-Sundial Gilt Bronze","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eAn antique Augsburg-type equinoctial compass sundial by \u003ci\u003eLorenz Grassl\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eThis is an exceptional and very rare 18th-century Augsburg equinoctial compass sundial, signed “\u003cb\u003eLorenz Graßl\u003c\/b\u003e”, dating to the late-18th century, circa 1775. A sophisticated portable scientific instrument, it combines an adjustable equinoctial sundial with an integrated magnetic compass, reflecting the high level of precision and craftsmanship achieved by Augsburg instrument makers during the period. The instrument is masterfully constructed in engraved brass and fire-gilt metal, with iron components, and is composed of a folding gnomon, hour ring, and hinged latitude arc, together with an inset magnetic compass. The sundial incorporates a steel dial engraved and inked with cardinal directions, while the folding latitude arc allows the hour ring to be adjusted according to geographic latitude. The instrument is supported by three small feet, providing stability when in use, and incorporates a leveling plumb line for accurate positioning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eParticularly remarkable is the extensive hand engraving to the reverse, incorporating a table of world capitals and their corresponding latitudes, demonstrating the instrument's practical astronomical and geographical function. The combination of portability, astronomical calculation, timekeeping, and magnetic orientation makes this a fascinating example of the multifunctional scientific instruments produced in Augsburg during the 18th century. Signed Lorenz Graßl of Augsburg, a German maker associated with precision astronomical, mathematical, and scientific instruments, the present sundial represents the sophisticated tradition of Augsburg instrument making. Comparable instruments by Augsburg makers, including members of the Vogler and Schrettegger families, are represented in important institutional and historical scientific collections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eThe instrument remains in remarkably well-preserved, original condition, retaining its untouched antique surface and beautiful original patina. It has not been cleaned or aggressively restored, preserving the character and authenticity so highly valued by collectors of historical scientific instruments. A rare museum-quality survivor and highly desirable collector's piece, this Augsburg equinoctial compass sundial is an outstanding example of 18th-century German scientific craftsmanship, combining technical ingenuity, portability, elegant engraving, and exceptional historical character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eCountry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003e: Augsburg, Germany.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003ePeriod\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003e: Late 18th, circa 1775.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003e: Lorenz Grassl (1740-1805).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eMaterials\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003e: Engraved gilt bronze, iron and inked steel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003e: Looks to be complete and functional. In original as found, not polished, with retains of all the original aged patina.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eWeight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003e: 116.75 Grams, (0.12 Kg). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eMeasurements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003e: Fully opened is, H. 90.17 mm by L. 82.55 mm by D. 79.25 mm, (3.55 x 3.25 x 3.12 Inches).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eHallmarks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003e: Stamped and engraved with Roman and Arabic numbers, the maker's name and the text as follows, \"\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eELEVA POLI MEXICO 32 GIBRALTAR 36 BARCELLONA MADRID 41 VENEDIG LION 45 PRAG 50 HAMBURG DANZIG 54 COPPENHAGEN 56 PETERSBURG 60 - LORENZ GRABL\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003e: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eThe overall condition of this \u003cb\u003eAugsburg equinoctial compass sundial\u003c\/b\u003e by \u003cstrong\u003eLorenz Grassl\u003c\/strong\u003e is very nice. Beside the normal wear there is no damage. This piece was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition \u0026amp; authenticity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;\"\u003eINVENTORY REF: D090326MTEN\/.7620\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Treasure Fine Jewelry","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42704756211794,"sku":"D090326MTEN\/.7620","price":4950.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0061\/4442\/6057\/files\/IMG_4206-2-2.jpg?v=1790103266","url":"https:\/\/treasurefinejewelry.com\/products\/compass-german-18th-century-foldable-compass-in-gilt-bronze","provider":"Treasure Fine Jewelry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}