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Description: | A cast, copper alloy base plate and gnomon from a post medieval sundial, probably dating from 1600 - 1700 AD. The sundial is a horizontal dial, designed to be placed on a plinth rather than mounted on a wall. The plate is probably square (though two edges are missing) with a fine pattern of engraved concentric circles defining the dial. There are three central circles, each of a single line, and two outer circles, each of a double line. Between the inner and outer circles are radial divisions of different sizes to delineate the hours. Between the two outer circles are Roman numerals for the hours; these range from four in the morning to eight in the evening. There is a decoration of two tiny hearts and a circular hole for a mounting rivet in each of the angles created between the circles and corners of the plate. Only one of the corners is complete, the other three having broken off in antiquity. The central circle is bisected by a single line along which the gnomon is installed. The gnomon is also of cast copper alloy and is fastened to the base plate by a pair of tabs which pass through slots in the plate and are folded over on the underside. The upper part of the gnomon has broken off and is missing. The gnomen would have to be alighned to True North for the sundial to work. On the southside of the plate (where there are no numerals) the plate carries the initials N I and the date 1633. It is not clear that the date is part of the original design as the digits appear to be crudely punched, the first number three having been struck twice and crossing one of the inner circles. This suggests they were added after the original date of manufacture. The dial has a light green patina. It is 78.7mm long, 74.2mm wide and 17.9mm thick. It weighs 45.58gm. One fragment is detached.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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