Description

18th century Freemasonry sundial, by A. Dent, English, c. second quarter 18th century, signed “A. Dent, Londini Fecit.” The 8″ (20 cm) square main plate is hand engraved with a chapter ring divided every 5 minutes from 4am until 8pm. The center has a large eight-point compass rose with labeled directionals, and the four spandrels are engraved with symbols of Freemasonry, viz., The Eye of Providence, the Square and Compasses, the Sun, and the Level and Plumb. In addition there is an outer square and inner circle of running-leaf-tip design typical of English work of the period (e.g., that of Thomas Heath, working 1720 – 1753). The plate is set with a pierced brass gnomon, possibly an old replacement. Condition is good noting quite a few nicks to the surface, and four irregularly spaced mounting holes. The top is a mellow tan color; the reverse has a deep greenish brown patina.

This is a very rare example of sundial with Masonic symbolism, and by a seemingly unrecorded London maker. There might be a connection with the famous chronometer maker Edward John Dent, born 1790, but the only “A.” we find in the Dent family tree is one Anne Dent, born 1742 (see Mercer). None is listed in Baillie or in Clifton.