In short, the instrument is a fake. Not even a replica because these components by different makers were never assembled and sold together. The workmanship is awful. Definitely one of the many crappy dials and instruments coming from India and being mistaken for authentic.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Sara Schechner Sara J. Schechner, PhD, FAAS Curator Emerita, Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, Harvard University President, International Astronomical Union Commission C3 (History of Astronomy) [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> From: sundial <[email protected]> On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: Monday, September 1, 2025 2:21 PM To: [email protected] Subject: West and Stanley Dear readers, For an article, I am currently researching an equatorial sundial signed "West London" and equipped with a compass signed "Stanley." There is also a plaque on the underside with the inscription "Natural Sine / Stanley. London." West and Stanley were companies that produced scientific instruments around 1850. However, I doubt that this instrument is that old and suspect that it is a modern replica from India. My question is for experts who are familiar with British sundials from the last 150 years: How can I find out whether this is a replica or an original? Images of the dial can be downloaded at https://c.1und1.de/@800536355569403817/0IyJ1lTt4yu0hj6WbhF8Nw<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__c.1und1.de_-40800536355569403817_0IyJ1lTt4yu0hj6WbhF8Nw&d=DwMFAg&c=WO-RGvefibhHBZq3fL85hQ&r=7ZsgDX5inZSMERqhZEQacOtdADP0iy6-YB7dx6Z_mVo&m=fD7P2NvEJetAQXXKqrEv04dGuq2iDEFmsMuBRaqBuw_EockU5_RQLyNEnAkoNSJ6&s=VVoI7teyaWBb3hiq_F4IIW3J0W3a4uYHnZiYmAWD0Dw&e=>. Best wishes, Karlheinz
--------------------------------------------------- https://lists.uni-koeln.de/mailman/listinfo/sundial
