Antique Troughton & Simms London Brass Sundial, Mid-Victorian Horizontal Garden Dial Plate c.1850

A rare, highly collectible mid-19th-century horizontal brass garden sundial crafted by the legendary instrument makers Troughton & Simms of London.

Dating between 1840 and 1865, this authentic piece was produced at the height of the firm's golden era at 136 Fleet Street—the very workshop that engineered the precision transit telescopes for the Greenwich Royal Observatory.

This fine dial is in very good antique condition. It features a masterfully hand-engraved face with a detailed 16-point compass rose, crisp Roman numerals, and the traditional asymmetrical "IIII" marker at the 4 p.m. position.

The solid brass triangular gnomon is straight, structurally sound, and firmly anchored. The plate retains an exceptional, completely undisturbed historic chocolate-brown and verdigris patina that collectors highly prize.

It sits securely on an aged, circular protective backing ring added later in its life, making it beautifully balanced for immediate tabletop, shelf, or pedestal display.

Designed specifically for accurate timekeeping in the Northern Hemisphere.

Maker: Troughton & Simms, London
Era: Mid-Victorian (Circa 1840–1865) Material: Heavy-gauge engraved brass Plate Dimensions: 9 inches / 23 cm

Very Good Antique (Original patina, straight gnomon, non-original display backing ring).

Authentic 19th-century instruments by this maker are held in permanent museum collections globally, including the Science Museum.