Sundial
Richard Wager
Category
Metalwork
Date
Unknown
Materials
Wood
Measurements
16.1875 in (Diameter)
Place of origin
Deptford
Collection
Hughenden, Buckinghamshire
NT 428812
Summary
This item was stolen on 12th February 1992. If you have any information concerning this item please contact the National Trust at Hughenden Manor on 01494 755565. Or contact the Operational Risk Department of the National Trust by email at operationalrisk@nationaltrust.org.uk, or our Supporter Services Centre on 0344 800 1895 or by email enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk. You can provide your information anonymously. Thank you for your help. The sundial bears the inscription at the head 'Made by Richd Wager Mathematical Instrument maker and Compass maker to His Majesty Royal Navy in Queen Street Deptford in Kent'. At the centre is an etched sixteen point star and around it the inscription 'Equation of natural days equation of nautical days' and outside this 'Watch faster. W slower. Watch faster watch slower'. The inner readings are day by day corrections for 'sun time' to 'watch time' which only agree four days of the year. At the perimeter are names of places around the world, probably to show noon sun time in relation to Greenwich meridian. Made 'for use at latitude 51o-39' north. Gnoman decorated with etched swirls of flowers and leaves. Comparable to one in the Science Museum. At least 250 years old. Latitude setting suggests possibly for Hughenden. For pedestal see NT/HUG/SC/51.
Marks and inscriptions
Inscription at the head 'Made by Richd Wager Mathematical Instrument maker and Compass maker to His Majesty Royal Navy in Queen Street Deptford in Kent'
Makers and roles
Richard Wager, maker