A beautifully weathered circular bronze sundial by Watkins & Hill, first half of the 19th century. The sundial was designed and calibrated to be used outside on a stone base in a garden in Southern England.
The engraved base plate, which has a lovely green-hued patina, has a Roman chapter ring with half-hour markers and minute divisions, on which the gnomon casts its shadow.
The sundial is signed by the makers at the bottom in the following manner: Watkins & Hill Charing Cross. In the middle is a compass rose to position the instrument in such a way that the time can be read. Above the middle is a Latin inscription: Cogitaui Dies Antionas (‘I thought upon the days of old’ (Psalm 76).
Diameter: 10 inch (25.4 cm)
The makers:
The firm was founded by Francis Watkins, Senior (1723-1791), who worked for the famous maker John Dollond, among others, from 1706 to 1761. He invented a refracting telescope. In the period 1763-74 he was in partnership with Addison Smith, his former p
...upil, as Watkins and Smith. Watkins retired in 1784, when he was succeeded by his nephews Jeremiah Watkins (c. 1758-1810) and Walter Watkins (d. 1798). After Walter’s death in 1798 the business was continued by Jeremiah until his death in 1810. In 1808 he was listed as ‘J. Watkins, optician, 5 Charing Cross.’. In 1810 William Hill (d. 1847), an employee, ran the business on behalf of Jeremiah’s widow, Charlotte. In 1818 Jeremiah’s son Francis Watkins, Junior became a partner and the firm traded as Watkins and Hill, the makers of this sundial. They were active until 1847. The company remained in existence and Watkins & Hill exhibited at the 1851 Great Exhibition. Later, in 1857, they were taken over by the brothers C. A. and F. H. Elliott, the sons of William Elliott, a mathematical instrument maker.
Reference: Grace’s Guide.
Dimensions
Height: 5.52 in. (14 cm)
Diameter: 10.01 in. (25.4 cm)
Whether you are a collector or a first-time buyer the choice of pieces will inspire. Each has been carefully selected for its exceptional design and provenance, as well as in many instances its academic significance.
Originality and authenticity are paramount; and using our extensive knowledge and experience in furniture conservation and restoration we can ensure that our clients can buy with absolute confidence.Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA754366
Dateline of this antique is 1800
Height is 14cm (5.5inches)Width is 25cm (9.8inches)Depth is 25cm (9.8inches)
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