Richmond  

 Sundial: 977
State/Province:  Virginia Country:  USA
Dial Type:  Horizontal Dial Condition:  Restored - Fair
  Latitude and Longitude: 37° 33.746' N  77° 31.177' W
Location:
  • Wilton House Museum
    215 South Wilton Road
    Richmond VA 23226.
    Dial is part of the museum collection. "As part of the process of having it conserved, we discovered that it was not a reproduction at all and have since moved it into a climate controlled environment."
 
Description:
  • A bronze dial 11.5 inches in diameter, 21 inches high. It is signed by Thomas Hart and dated 1765. The inscription on the dial implies a much later date of late 1800's or early 1900's.
    Chapter Ring I Roman Numerals
    Chapter Ring II Numerous scrolling leaf designs and Fleur-de-Leis
    Chapter Ring III small flower with feather like leaves on either side
    Chapter Ring IV 8-point compass rose
    Chapter Ring V sun, possible mark on end of gnomon proper right side.
    The gnomon has numerous chased designs.
 
General Information:Inscription:
  • Owner: Wilton House Museum
  • "Serene I stand among the flowers
    and only count life's sunny hours
    for me dark days do not exist
    I'm a brazen-faced old optimist"
  • Designer: Thomas Hart
  • Builder: Thomas Hart
  • Construction Date: engraved 1765 (possible late 1800's)
 
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Last Revised: 2019-07-27 15:34