The item presented is a sophisticated equatorial sundial table clock, equipped with an additional dial for reading minutes, exemplifying the ingenuity and technical advancement of 18th-century time measurement instruments. This type of sundial is particularly notable for its ability to provide accurate readings not only of the hours but also of the minutes, a rare feat for the time.

The design includes a gnomon mounted on a gear-shaped dial, which can be adjusted to the desired latitude, allowing the clock to be used in different geographic locations. The integrated compass facilitates the correct orientation of the clock along the local meridian, essential for its accuracy.

The most distinctive innovation of this sundial is its secondary dial for minutes, which is driven by a pinion connected to the main dial’s gear. This arrangement not only increases the accuracy of time reading but also highlights the level of complexity and precision that instrument makers achieved during this period.

This type of sundial not only serves as a practical tool for measuring time but also as a work of art representative of the skill and technical knowledge of its time. The increased accuracy provided by the inclusion of a minutes dial reflects the growing interest and need for more precise time measurements that were fundamental for the scientific and navigational advances of the time.

In summary, this sundial not only effectively measures time but also serves as a testament to the technological innovations of the 18th century, representing a milestone in the development of scientific instruments.