Brass Sundial Value Guide

This early 20th-century brass sundial is a quintessential example of American garden ornament, featuring the iconic Robert Browning inscription 'Grow Old Along With Me The Best Is Yet To Be.' Beyond its function as a scientific instrument, its popularity as a sentimental wedding or anniversary gift during the 1900-1930 era makes it a highly sought-after piece for collectors of romantic Victoriana and Edwardian garden decor.

What Is Brass Sundial Worth?

The typical price range for Brass Sundial is $250 - $300 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the brass, specifically the legibility of the sentimental inscription and time markers.
• The presence and integrity of the original gnomon, as replacements significantly reduce the market value.
• Overall size and weight, with larger, heavier cast brass examples commanding higher prices in the $250-$300 range.
• Authenticity of the 1900-1930 era patina versus modern chemical aging found on contemporary reproductions.

How to Identify Brass Sundial?

• Verify the presence of the specific Robert Browning quote 'Grow Old Along With Me The Best Is Yet To Be' cast into the brass surface.
• Examine the gnomon for period-correct casting marks and ensure it is securely attached to the base plate.
• Look for a natural aged patina on the brass, which should show signs of weathering consistent with outdoor use since the early 1900s.
• Check for United States manufacturing marks or foundry stamps often located on the underside of the dial.

History of Brass Sundial

Sundials are among the oldest scientific instruments, with origins dating back to ancient Egypt. They tell time by casting a shadow from a gnomon onto a marked surface. This particular sundial features a sentimental quote from Robert Browning's poem "Rabbi Ben Ezra," popularizing it as a gift item, especially for weddings or anniversaries, from the late 19th century onwards.