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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Sundial

Sundial by Goldsmith Chandlee

Partially verified

This sundial is a work created by Goldsmith Chandlee (1751–1821), an American maker who operated in Winchester, Virginia. The object is held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and is catalogued as accession number 1986.9. Constructed from brass and mahogany, the instrument measures 9 3/8 x 9 3/8 inches (23.8 x 23.8 cm). The dial plate is marked with a latitude setting of 38° 20' and includes a central monogram. The signature "G. Chandlee Winchester" is engraved on the lower section of the brass plate. Goldsmith Chandlee was a member of a prominent family of clock and scientific instrument makers. The object was acquired by the museum as a purchase funded by the Anna Glen B. Vietor Gift in memory of her husband, Alexander Orr Vietor, in 1986. It resides within the museum's American Wing collection.

Front view of the brass and mahogany sundial by Goldsmith Chandlee, showing the hour markings, latitude, monogram, and signature.
Front view of the brass and mahogany sundial by Goldsmith Chandlee, showing the hour markings, latitude, monogram, and signature. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Tool · Sundial
Maker / attribution
Goldsmith Chandlee
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1986.9
Source-reported date
ca. 1800
Source-reported place
United States

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

Construction and Design

The sundial is constructed from brass and mahogany. The brass plate is square, featuring a central gnomon and engraved hour indices ranging from 6 to 12 to 6. The plate is mounted within a mahogany frame, securing the instrument for display or use.

The surface of the dial contains the latitude "38° 20'" and a monogram, "JG", positioned above the maker’s signature, indicating specific local calibration for the Winchester, Virginia area.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brass, mahogany”

Maker and Historical Context

Goldsmith Chandlee (1751–1821) was a member of the Chandlee dynasty of clock and scientific instrument makers. He conducted his business in Winchester, Virginia. The museum notes that Winchester is located in proximity to Mount Vernon, which provides a geographical connection to other instruments created by the same maker.

The maker also produced other scientific instruments, including a surveyor's compass made for Lawrence Augustine Washington, who was the nephew of George Washington. This provides a link between the work of Goldsmith Chandlee and the social sphere of the Washington family in the region.

Evidence for this section
  • “member of the Chandlee dynasty of clock and scientific instrument makers”
  • “Goldsmith Chandlee worked in the town of Winchester, Virginia.”
  • “A surveyor's compass made by Goldsmith Chandlee can still be found at Mount Vernon.”

Museum Attribution and Provenance

The sundial is part of the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, designated by the accession number 1986.9. It is assigned to The American Wing of the institution. The object was added to the museum's collection in 1986 through a purchase arrangement.

The credit line for the object records it as a "Purchase, Anna Glen B. Vietor Gift, in memory of her husband, Alexander Orr Vietor, 1986." The Metropolitan Museum of Art serves as the primary authority for the identification and dating of this specific horological instrument.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this object as 1986.9.”
  • “The American Wing.”
  • “Purchase, Anna Glen B. Vietor Gift, in memory of her husband, Alexander Orr Vietor, 1986.”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the "JG" monogram and its relationship to the original owner?
  • Are there similar extant dials by Goldsmith Chandlee that confirm the production frequency of this specific model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Sundial by Goldsmith Chandlee
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerGoldsmith Chandlee (1751–1821)“Goldsmith Chandlee (1751–1821)”
MaterialsBrass, mahogany“Brass, mahogany”
Dimensions9 3/8 x 9 3/8 in. (23.8 x 23.8 cm)“9 3/8 x 9 3/8 in. (23.8 x 23.8 cm)”
Accession Number1986.9“1986.9”
Location of ManufactureWinchester, Virginia“Goldsmith Chandlee worked in the town of Winchester, Virginia.”

Visible details

  • The brass dial features an engraved scale for hours from 6 to 12 to 6.
  • A central monogram consisting of the initials "JG" is present above the maker's signature.
  • The latitude is explicitly engraved on the dial plate as "LAT 38° 20'".

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance history beyond the museum accession record is limited to historical connections with the Winchester area.
  • The wider representativeness of this specific sundial as a collectible type has not been independently verified.

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

Consulted source

Sundial by Goldsmith Chandlee, American, ca. 1800

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 47775e6fbe

Terms in this record

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

Other sundial records