Brass Sundial
The brass sundial is becoming an increasingly popular addition to the garden or back yard. Originally invented to determine the time by the sun’s position, the brass, copper, and bronze sundial is now also a distinctive feature and conversation piece.
In the olden days brass sundials were used keep track of time during the day. This was achieved by the sun moving across the sky and casting a shadow onto the sundial – it was a simple matter of reading off where the shadow was cast on the sundial base which resulted in knowing what hour it was in the day.
Although a primitive means of telling the time, sundials were remarkably accurate – and still are when compared to the clocks we have nowadays.
The majority of sundials for sale for use in the back yard, garden, or patio, are horizontal. They may come complete with a sundial stand, or as a flat disk that can be set into the ground or wherever you choose. The surface is marked with lines and has a narrow pointer, which must be pointed in the direction of ‘true north’.
As well as the horizontal brass, bronze, or copper sundial, you also have the type that can be wall mounted, double up as a birdbath, plus the desk or the miniature pocket sundial.
The folding pocket sundial usually has a magnetic compass built in, and this allows you to be pointed in the correct direction. As with other types of brass sundial, the combination of the sun and the pointer will allow you to determine the time. This style will generally have its own storage box and will be very lightweight.
The small brass sundial compass is often designed to look like an antique or family heirloom. It will often have a ring which can be attached to a chain, similar to the way in which a traditional fob watch looked. It can measure as little as 3 inches in diameter.
Another sought after style is the brass armillary sundial. Armillary sundials have a much different look to the other styles of brass sun dial and are generally purchased as a feature more than for timekeeping. You don’t have to use a specific brass armillary sundial shop as you’ll generally be able to buy sundials of all styles in one place.
You will find that many of the large sundials are very detailed, often incorporating poetry or famous phrases on the surface. Pretty patterns, figures, and characters can be displayed, and the pointer could be detailed or crafted in the shape of an animal or insect such as a dragonfly.
You have plenty of options to choose from and whichever you choose you are guaranteed that your new brass sundial will be a definite talking point.
Popular Brass Sundials
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