George I Patinated and Engraved Bronze Sundial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1720
Exquisite Baroque English sundial in patinated and engraved bronze with an octagonal profile. This is a beautiful scientific instrument, an original English sundial from the time of George I, circa 1720.
The dial is profusely engraved with Roman numerals, Latin letters, and compass markings such as NN, NE, SE, and SW. The design is completed with a central star and the inscription or aphorism "Darkness brings day." The dial features a wrought iron gnomon that casts its shadow on the plate to indicate the time. Below the gnomon, the plate is centered with a compass rose. This object reflects the taste for complexity, allegory, and the study of time so characteristic of its era.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material (listing wording)
- bronze
- Dimensions or weight (listing wording)
- 10 x 20 x 20 cm
Identification
- Source note
- Auction-house description published on Invaluable. Attribution and measurements describe the photographed example; independent type authentication remains research required.
- Listing object ID
- 205574007
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Independent confirmation of type attribution and auction-house statements remains research required.