Out of 3477 dials on the BSS register there are 586 recorded as having a motto. 211 of these have no recorded date but if the distribution between dates on non-dated dials is the same as that on dated dials (that may not be right...) the results would be:
Dials with mottos in the various centuries: 15xx 5 0.9% (but only 3 dials are actually on the register with dates and mottos in this century) 16xx 98 16.7% 17xx 197 33.6% 18xx 111 18.9% 19xx 112 19% Those percentages reflect the spread for the dials with both dates and mottos. So the 18th Century appears to be the most prolific for mottos in Britain. I have no information about the USA/Colonies. Hope this is useful Patrick ---------- From: Robert E. Shapiro To: sundial@rrz.uni-koeln.de Subject: Garden sundial mottoes Date: 09 July 1998 16:14 I am interested in the origins of motto inscriptions on early English and American garden sundials. Specifically: 1) Does anyone have information about what are the EARLIEST KNOWN sundials which are inscribed with mottoes from England? from the American colonies? 2) Does anyone know HOW COMMONLY garden sundials were inscribed with mottoes in the 18th century in England? in the American colonies? Thanks very much to all in advance. Bob Shapiro [EMAIL PROTECTED]