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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Sundial

English Composition Stone Garden Sundial with Bronze Dial

Partially verified

This garden sundial features a bronze dial plate set upon a faceted composition stone pedestal. The dealer describes the dial as bronze, inscribed with a sun motif, numerals, cardinal directions, an integrated fixed gnomon, and the inscription 'time flies'. The pedestal consists of a baluster-form faceted column seated on a graduated octagonal plinth base, constructed in three detachable sections comprising top, column, and base. Attributed by the seller to mid-20th-century manufacture in the United Kingdom, the ensemble measures 37.25 inches high by 15 inches wide and deep.

Full view of the composition stone pedestal and bronze sundial
Full view of the composition stone pedestal and bronze sundial — Antique Swan / Chairish. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.chairish.com
Category
Tool · Sundial
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
35654417
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Mid 20th Century
Country
United Kingdom

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Physical Configuration

The object is described as a garden sundial assembled from three detachable sections: a top, a central column, and a base. The total height of the assembly is 37.25 inches with a width and depth of 15 inches.

The pedestal features a column set upon a graduated octagonal plinth base.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ships as three pieces - top, column, and base.”
  • “Measures: H 37 1/4 inches x W 15 inches x D 15 inches”
  • “Affixed to a faceted column, set upon a graduated octagonal plinth base.”

Dial Plate and Inscription

The upper section consists of a bronze dial plate. The dial features a fixed gnomon for shadow casting and is described as being inscribed with a sun motif, numerals, and cardinal directions.

The plate bears the inscription 'time flies'.

Evidence for this section
  • “featuring a bronze sundial inscribed with a sun, numerals, cardinal directions, along with a fixed gnomon”
  • “The sundial itself bears the inscription, "time flies".”

Materials and Origin

The primary body is constructed from composition or garden stone. The dial plate is composed of bronze.

The object is attributed to the United Kingdom with an origin period of the mid-20th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “A large English sundial of composition or garden stone”
  • “Period Mid 20th Century”
  • “Country of Origin United Kingdom”

Open research questions

  • What specific material constitutes the composition stone?
  • Are there any maker's marks located on the dial or pedestal?
  • Is the dial plate calibrated for a specific geographic latitude?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for English Composition Stone Garden Sundial with Bronze Dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MaterialsBronze and composition stone“A large English sundial of composition or garden stone - featuring a bronze sundial”
Dial Inscription"time flies"“The sundial itself bears the inscription, "time flies".”
Pedestal ConstructionThree pieces (top, column, and base)“Ships as three pieces - top, column, and base.”
Dimensions15 W × 15 D × 37.25 H inches“Measures: H 37 1/4 inches x W 15 inches x D 15 inches”
PeriodMid 20th Century“Period Mid 20th Century”
ConditionFine vintage condition with age-related wear“Fine vintage condition - Wear commensurate with age and use”

Visible details

  • Octagonal bronze sundial plate inset into the stone capital with a vertical gnomon fin
  • Faceted baluster pedestal with weathered stone finish and surface patination
  • Tiered octagonal base supporting the central column

Research qualifications

  • Specific maker is unidentified in the source listing
  • Dial details and inscriptions are not clearly legible at the distance shown in the provided photograph

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Large English Sundial of Composition Stone With Bronze Dial for the Garden | Chairish

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 7b78926b21

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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