Sundial find

[GoingDown]

Found this today in about 10" between where a 1700 farmouse "was" and a standing 1814 house currently is. Anyone have any thoughts of age or anything else of a history on this type of object? Seems to be solid lead about 3 1/2" across the base (which has no markings). Was fun to unearth! Thanks all! GD

 

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[TimmyNY]

nice piece bet that hit like a bomb

Tim

 

[Michigan Badger]

These are hard to date as they are still making simular items today. I have one that looks just like it that was made about 10 years ago.

Yours is obviously very old and a very nice find. I'd leave as much of the aged look as possible because this separates yours from the modern ones.

Badger

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Really Excellent find! Most of the sundials,if outside were attached to a wall,windowsill, or sat on a pedastal. I collect old garden items and you have a very nice piece. I totally agree with Michigan Badger ..dont clean it up too much....

 

[MD]

Nice thing about it is that it still works as good as the day it was buried. Beats Timex!!!

 

[Bavaria Mike]

Awesome find, no help on the age but I'm interested! Post if you find out and HH, Mike

 

[trk5capt]

GD, You Had To Be One Heck Of A Man, To Go Around All Day With That Strapped To Your Wrist, Nice Find. trk5capt...

 

[PBK]

Compare to the second item at:

http://www.treasurenet.com/westeast/data/askmarkparker/robots/200308.htm

 

[Dave N Japan]

Nice fine....Wonder who used it last? Was the time stuck at the time it broke! HAHA

 

[southbound]

Cool find!! They still have them over here in Germany.
Vern

 

[GoingDown]

All ... thank yu for your responses ... the sundial is indeed quite heavy and most probably made out of lead or even pewter. You can see the edges slightly deteriorating ... probably due to the time underground. Does anyone have a suggestion on the best way to clean it without doing any damage ... and then what, if anything, to coat it with to protect it and give it more luster?

Thanks!

GD

 

[dneyedli@res1.mts.net]

GD, Nice sun dial,
Looking at the way it is flaking, I would say that it is made out of white metal or pot metal. If it was lead, it actually would be in better shape. Unfortunately I can't help you on stabilization, and the few pieces of metal that I have found in the same condition as your piece, ended up flaking away. I would seal it up in something that will protect it from getting banged up. As for cleaning, just use a toothbrush and water. (stop if it flakes)
I have found spoons and buttons made out of white metal that go back to the late 1700's.
Dave.

 

[stefen]

If it was set for daylight savings time, then its more modern.