Brass calendar?

[P3nguattack]

I picked it up at an antique store a few days ago and I really don't know what it is. The tag said brass calendar, but the numbers go to 12 twice all the way around the inner circle which leads me to believe it may be some form of clock, or sundial. It will spin in the middle section freely but the inner circle will only do a half a turn so it is perpendicular to the circle with the degree markings. Those threw me off even more, and upon Google searching brass calendars and sundials for about an hour I've come up with nothing, so I was hoping you guys here could help me out. As I'm writing I only have a picture of the front, but I'll take another of the back and one with it spun out. Any help would be appreciated. I paid $8 for it, and I just got it because I found it so intreguinging so if it's not worth that don't be afraid to tell me. I doubt I'll get rid of it. It's a very neat little part of history. Thank you again for any help you can provide, I'm new to the forum by the way and this is my first post so I'm hoping it goes well! Happy hunting!

 

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[osage express]

Mid 18th Century Brass Astronomical ring dial. - Gilai Collectibles. I think this is it not real sure.Let us see what the others say

 

[osage express]

I should have said yours is not that old..But a nice find

 

[P3nguattack]

I should have said yours is not that old..But a nice find

Yeah I agree. The fact that there's no tarnish leads me to believe it has been laquered. I'd love to know how it was used. Thank you for the very prompt reply by the way!

 

[P3nguattack]

That link looks to be exactly the same kind of device.

 

[Mackaydon]

P3n,
Welcome to Treasure Net !
Very interesting devise.
Don.......

 

[kcm]

Welcome to Tnet! Yes, it looks to be virtually identical. "IF" yours is original, then it has been taken extraordinary care of! That said, everything about yours appears to be period, right down to the same, correct screws. Could be a counterfeit, but as the one from the other site only sold for $30, one has to wonder what would be the point? ...So now I'm back to wondering if yours "could" be authentic - though not necessarily THAT old - maybe late-1800's to early-1900's maybe?

In any case, I'd say you got yourself a real bargain! VERY nice!!

 

[kcm]

....Is possible yours is a new/unsold unit that just got safely lost for many years as newer technologies developed.

 

[kcm]

Ok, hold onto your britches -- we're about to have some fun!!

Go to this page and scroll about 1/2 way down. The text concerning the item is above the item (took me a couple minutes to figure that out ):
Straight from the Bedroom of Steve Jobs: The most Complete Original Hand-Built »Apple 1 Computer« Worldwide! ?. and other Icons in Auction Team Breker?s Specialty Auction on Nov. 16, 2013 www.Breker.com

I'm not saying yours could go for what that one did, but.........



From this point, it's out of my league! Maybe someone else here can guide you on getting it authenticated/valued. Again, don't get your hopes up just yet. For this kind of money, I could certainly see modern reproductions being made. But it's DEFINITELY worth checking out!!

 

[highnam]

Nice purchase and excellent ID KCM...curious to hear more about this piece

 

[P3nguattack]

Unfortunately, that's not the same as mine. There appear to be many different styles. The square piece on all the ones I've seen represent dates on which your required to slide the pinhole in the middle to accordingly. Thing is, I can not for the life of me figure out how those markings resemble months. Im still pretty excited though! Awesome ID, I appreciate all your help so far!

 

[kcm]

Hmm...seems my earlier post didn't go through!

"Nice purchase and excellent ID KCM"
Actually, Osage Express was the one who first ID'd the piece. I didn't have a clue!

"Unfortunately, that's not the same as mine."
Well, it may not be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, but it's worth a heck of a lot more than $8!! The wife flipped when she saw it - just as I did!

 

[kcm]

Yep, these things are still being made in Europe by at least one manufacturer:
Grand Illusions Ltd

As for how to use the thing, this .pdf gives good instructions. Unfortunately the file doesn't explain how to decipher the letters on the flat bar.
http://leewm.freeshell.org/origami/ringdial.pdf