An extraordinary discovery was made by a probe on a field in the municipality of Regau: a fascinating, extremely rare pocket folding sundial, which probably dates from the second half of the 15th century. According to the Federal Monuments Office, this archaeological find represents the earliest form of a folding sundial ever found in Upper Austria.
The cast brass instrument, with a length of 6.2 cm, bears an amazing resemblance to the two well-known folding sundials made by the famous astronomer Georg von Peuerbach, who is considered the inventor of the folding sundial. It can be assumed that the timepiece was made in Nuremberg. In 1488 there were already eleven compass makers in 1488 there were already eleven “compass makers” there who almost exclusively produced folding sundials. Regiomontanus, a student of Peuerbach, made several folding sundials there. The object found probably belonged to a merchant who lost it while resting on a road near Regau that already existed in Roman times.Two portrait reliefs are visible on the base plate the pile thread is missing, two portrait reliefs are visible on the base plate, making the piece a remarkable historical find.Exhibition at Peuerbach PalaceThe public will have the opportunity to see this exciting find at the forthcoming Communale at Peuerbach Palace from May 31st . The exhibition will also present the two original folding sundials by the inventor, Georg von Peuerbach. These date from the years 1451 and 1463. The clock was 20 centimeters deep “At first I didn’t know that it was a pocket sundial. I got them out of the field at a depth of just 20 centimeters and I’m of course very happy about it,” reports Christian H. about his discovery. The finder of the folding sundial contacted the OÖ Landes-Kultur GmbH after seeing an article about the forthcoming Communale exhibition and an illustration of a folding sundial by Georg von Peuerbach.Designed as a portable deviceThe folding sundial, designed as a portable device, demonstrates the advanced knowledge of celestial mechanics in their time and offers a rare and valuable insight into historical timekeeping. The presentation of this unique discovery together with Georg von Peuerbach’s original folding sundials offers an unparalleled opportunity to follow and understand the development of astronomy and timekeeping.
