LIMESTONE SUNDIAL 1700s
Large, hand carved.
Evocative history and rich patina.
£785
Dimensions
Stone Base : 45 x 43 cm (18 x 17") ; 7cm (3") deep. Height including gnomon : 26 cm (10.5")
Description
Carved as a limestone plinth in the 1700s in France and calibrated for latitude 48 Degrees North (Loire Valley and Le Mans). the dial is unusually large for a horizontal example, suggesting it was possibly set in a market square or other village gathering space.
The dial exudes a rustic, honest aura and we feel it has led an interesting life. Over the years the perimeter edges of limestone have been re-trimmed and so the outer characters of some of the hourly Roman numerals are also partially trimmed. Whether the gnomon is the absolute original or an 1800s replacement is open to discourse, most likely is that an original gnomon of bronze or brass was once damaged and replaced in iron by a blacksmith in 1800s. Some 'character forming' occasions are only to be expected of a sundial living through the French Revolution and two World Wars! The face's decorative circular patterns and functional hour lines are still clearly demarcated, as are half and quarter hours. The overall character and patina is absolutely beautiful - it tells the time in several senses.
To set the dial correctly for UK locations such as, for example, London we can set it at a tilt of 3 degrees (2.1cm higher at back than front) and it is superbly accurate. We can calibrate any such adjustments for your house's specific location for it to always keep perfect time.
Stock No. 2016
