Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9

Rare Pilkington & Gibbs Ltd Antique Heliochronometer Sundial

$7,340.60
£5,245
€6,263
CA$10,065.06
A$11,237.90
CHF 5,861.99
MX$138,186.73
NOK 73,985.69
SEK 69,654.92
DKK 46,721.98
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

A rare antique brass heliochronometer sundial by renowned makers Pilkington & Gibbs Ltd. Suitable for interior and exterior use, this sundial has characterful weathering to create an excellent time worn look, giving viewers a glimpse into its unique heritage. Displayed on timber base, it is the perfect decorative piece for to take pride of place in a period style garden or as an intriguing new feature for a side board or cabinet. Marked with 'GJ GIBBS, INVENIT' (model), this sundial has an excellent patina as it rotates and moves the unusual gnomon. Also known as Tropical Helio-Chronometer, this time telling instrument was made with efficiency and style in mind as it can be adjusted to latitude and longitude to give an accurate reading in any location throughout the world. With only a total of 1000 originally made, this model is believed to be type 5 of the 50 that are known to still exist. This is marked with ‘no. 221’. The angled rotating plate has a fixed back sight and pinhole foresight, which is adjusted via a disc that has been calibrated for the date. This allows a reading for the mean time, that is taken from the circumference by a sector divided for minutes against a movable hour scale. The mechanism is mounted onto a cast brass bowl fixed by an adjustable pivot for setting latitude onto a base. An exceptionally detailed and iconic sundial sure to ignite intrigue! Additional dimensions Circular bronze base has a diameter of 16cm (6.3in).
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.82 in (30 cm)Width: 7.88 in (20 cm)Depth: 7.88 in (20 cm)
  • Style:
    Victorian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1910
  • Condition:
    Good structural condition. Looks to be original and working - no real issues with this. Moves as it should. Appears to work as it should - when the dial is turned, it allows the other pieces to move side to side.
  • Seller Location:
    Wormelow, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 9364771stDibs: LU2096344275572

More From This Seller

View All
English Mid Century English Bronze Sundial
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique mid century modern English bronze sundial. Suitable for interior and exterior use, this sundial has an impressive sculptural quality with a robust form, elongated gnome a...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sundials

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Antique 19th Century Square Marble Sundial
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique 19th century square marble sundial dating to circa 1893. This Victorian wall mounted sundial stands out with its black painted iron gno...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Sundials

Materials

Stone, Marble, Iron

Tabletop Antique Garden Sundial
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Dating from the early 20th century, this small tabletop antique garden sundial sees a stylistically carved York stone base below a later horizon...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Sundials

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Antique John Pulham & Son Garden Sundial
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A rare antique John Pulham & Son Sundial standing on a Pulamite star base. The bronze sundial is inscribed Pulham & Son, 50 Finsbury Square, London. Pulham & Son were active at this ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Regency Architectural Elements

Materials

Terracotta

Reclaimed Atlas Armillary Sundial on Weathered Stone Pedestal
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A handsome feature of any garden, this reclaimed sundial sees a mid 20th century Swedish cast metal Atlas armillary brought together by an early 20th century English York stone balus...
Category

20th Century English Victorian Sundials

Materials

Stone, Metal

Austin & Seeley Gothic Style Armillary Sundial
By Austin & Seeley
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A striking focal point for any garden, this impressive sundial pairs a mid 19th century gothic style stone pedestal by Austin and Seeley (unsigned) circa 1840, with a 20th century steel armillary sphere. Coupling composition stone intricacy with a contemporary armillary, this garden sundial offers a beautiful blend of antique and modern, perfect for instilling a courtyard or patio with history and interest. This gothic style pedestal appears in appears in Austin & Seeley’s catalogue dated 1841 (pictured). Here it is described as a ‘Rich Gothic Font, designed from Henry VII’s Chapel’ of Westminster Abbey, London. The drawing also appears in an advertisement from The Civil Engineers and Architects Journal 1839 (pictured), suggesting that this stone pedestal could date from even earlier. Austin and Seeley works were rarely stamped with makers marks. Austin & Seeley In 1828, Felix Austin established his own independent stone works...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Gothic Sundials

Materials

Stone, Composition, Metal, Steel

You May Also Like

Antique Sundial done in wrought iron and brass with heavy patina, Germany 1800s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a beautiful antique Sundial. It is made of wrought iron and brass, which got green patina due to its age. Made in France...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Sundials

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Vintage Regency Patinated Sundial
Located in west palm beach, FL
This stunning Vintage Regency patinated sundial showcases classic design elements with an elegant aged patina. Crafted in metal, it features intricate detailing that reflects the sop...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Regency Sundials

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Vintage Regency Patinated Sundial
$1,160 Sale Price
20% Off
French Bronze Sundial
Located in Dallas, TX
Expertly crafted in 19th century France, this bronze sundial adds a touch of elegance and charm to any garden. Its small size makes it the perfect accent piece, while its durability ...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Garden Ornaments

Materials

Bronze

Antique Swedish Sundial
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Antique Swedish Sundial in original condition.
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Primitive Sundials

Materials

Concrete, Metal

Early 19th Century English Inclining Sundial by William Hawks Grice London
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Early 19th Century English Inclin...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A Porter's Direction Sundial Germany Early 19th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
The printed and pivoted compass card and chapter ring centred by brass gnomon, in turned rosewood case with domed lid, (glass cover), 5cm (2in) diam.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century German Neoclassical Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood