This very interesting 3.5 inch square Clockmakers sundial was made in 1709 by D.T, and has two further initials J.A. in the corners. This is probably the work of Clockmaker Deodatus Threlkeld , who was working in Newcastle during this time. The J. A. may well be the initials of John Aynsley who was a close friend to Threlkeld for many years. The reason for this assumption is because in the book entitled Clockmakers of Northumberland and Durham by Keith Bates, there is a Threlkeld dial c1730 which has been signed by the maker, and the D. and T are very distinctive and very similar to the D. and the T on the sundial (even though they are 20 years apart). The dial is in superb original condition and was probably put in the conservatory or sat inside on a window ledge to set the clocks of the house. Deodatus Threlkeld was born in 1657. He was known nationally and perhaps internationally for his clocks and watches. In 1698 he was challenged by William Prevost, a French clockmaker to see who could make the best clock, winner takes all; Ed. Burgis and Sam. Watson were the judges, Deodatus won. Deod. died a rich man in Feb. 1733

S. Greaves Hook+Spike

J. Sanderson c1725