Personalised Armillary Spheres
Armillary Spheres without a doubt are the most visually striking of all sundials. Modelled on the heavens and earth, armillaries are based on the designs of natural philosophers. From Ptolemy to Copernicus, armillary spheres speak of the rich history of astronomical endeavour.
Armillaries date from about 225 BC, and were devised by the Egyptian astronomer, Eratosthenes. Armillaries were always used as astronomical instruments and never as sundials. Not till the late 17th century were they first used to tell the time.
The name armillary sphere comes from the Latin armilla for bracelet or amulet, from which we get the word arm (where you put your amulet). They're a sundial in that they use the light from the sun to cast a shadow and hence tell the time; in fact they could be considered to be one of the purest forms of sundial in that they are a model of the earth, which is the biggest sundial of them all!
A 50cm, 60cm and 80cm in Capel's garden
The concentric rings represent the Equator, the Horizon and the Meridian, the Gnomon is in the shape of an arrow pointing to the pole star. Border Sundials Armillary Spheres are made from marine grade brass and engraved with your choice of mottos and hand rolled, they are then riveted and welded together.
Border Sundials armillary spheres are lightly antiqued and gun oiled to preserve their natural beauty. Border Sundials armillary spheres measure 50cm, 60cm, 70cm and 80cm in diameter.
Though not essential it is sometimes desirable to arrange a site visit during which Capel can show you an armillary sphere in your garden and take latitude and longitude readings. A small fee is charged for this service but is part refundable against the cost of your personalised armillary sphere.
There is enough space for approximately 140 letters split between the North and South hemispheres (more can be fitted if required).
There's also space for short mottos or names on the inside of your armillary sphere.
Armillary sphere prices start at £1,250 including all engraving and delivery within the UK. For a full list of prices for the different sizes and extras please see the Purchase page. They come with full instructions for fitting.
A range of plinths are available to complement your armillary sphere, please see the plinths and pedestals page.
Armillary Spheres can be made 50,60,70 and 80cm diameter. Please see the purchase page for more details.
Capel with an 80cm armillary sphere on a Tudor plinth
