A VICTORIAN ENGRAVED SLATE GARDEN SUNDIAL ON SCULPTED LIMESTONE PLINTH Richard Melvin, London, mid 19th century The 10 inch circular slate dial fitted with brass gnomon over engraved central compass rose within IV-XII-VIII Roman numeral hour scale divided into ten minute intervals to outer track and with inscription R'D MELVIN, LONDON, Latitude 51 (degrees) 40 (minutes) North at the base of the gnomon, the circumference engraved with seventy-one cities appropriately placed in order establish their local time in accordance with the indistinct instruction passage engraved beneath the signature, on a fine baluster-shaped sculpted limestone pedestal with repeating rosette decorated collar and lappet-leaf carved waist. 108cm (42.5ins) high excluding concrete attached to base, the pedestal 28cm (11ins) square. Richard Melvin is thought to have been a school teacher who went on to design and produce slate sundials many of which incorporated numerous sub-dials and other complications. He is believed to have begun producing dials in around 1832 and worked from Glasgow, Crystal Palace, London and Ireland up until his death in 1871. Condition Report: Please note as inferred the cataloguing the dial and baluster are probably associated, the slate dial does sit nicely in the recess to the top of the baluster, The gnomon is patinated and there is lead to the underside securing it to the slate dial. The dial with dirt and weathering and lichen growth from its age, storage and use, outside. The dial and the baluster are being stored separately whilst at Dreweatts but both are available to view together if required. Please ask a member of staff. There is an old split through the baluster - this has been repaired and there is signs of filler in this area. There are other old marks, knocks, chips, scratches, abrasions consistent with age and use. There are some larger old chips and losses including to edges and corners of the top, there are chips and losses to the decorative frieze There is moss growth around the lower portions Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition Condition Report Disclaimer