A Fine Twelve Inch Bronze Horizontal Pedestal Sun-Dial By John Cuff

Signed: J. Cuff London: Lat. 50- 30 degrees. c. 1750.

A Fine Engraved Bronze Dial with sixteen point compass rose, hour scale IIII-XII-VIII, minute scale divided to two minute, solid gnomon, with an attractive coat of arms. John Cuff (1708-72) Optician, Master of the Spectaclemaker’s Company in 1748-49, was one of the leading scientific instrument makers in eighteenth century London. A painting by the artist Johann Zoffany of John Cuff and his Assistant, 1772 hangs in the Royal Collection. George III commissioned Zoffany to depict John Cuff, the Fleet Street optician from whom he obtained microscopes. The painting displays the telescopes, dials, microscopes and spectacles in Cuff’s workshop. The optician is grinding a lens with a lathe operated by a treadle. This dial is a fine example of a master craftsman.