A 19th century Scottish sundial
An early 19th century Scottish sandstone pedestal sundial, the bronze dial made and signed by Adie & Son, Edinburgh
Dimensions: dial 40cm diameter, pedestal 117,5 cm high, total height inclusive gnomon 140 cm
Condition : good condition
Reference : LYO052019/CLA052022
This unusually large fifteen and a half inch circular dial plate is engraved around the circumference with large Roman numeral hour markings and parchment scroll motifs at either end, it also has an accompanying smaller minute scale around the outer edge. To the centre is a beautifully engraved, eight-pointed compass rose with an intricate star pattern emanating from the centre. It is bordered by a number of concentrically engraved circles providing a method for managing the variations between sun dial readings and clock or watch readings at various times of year. They include month, time adjustments and an indication at the various points when the timepiece should be reading faster or slower than the sun dial. All of the above are encircled by a ring with an engraved dart motif and then finished on the outer edge with the various markings for the eight points of the compass.
A solid brass gnomon is positioned over the top in the North, South position and the Southern most edge of the plate is engraved with the name of the renowned Scottish scientific instrument making business of Adie & Son, Edinburgh.
A rare large format and complex sun dial by one of the most respected makers of the early Nineteenth Century.