In the 19th century, a trend developed in Britain and America towards an affordable alternative to bronze and brass. Cast iron was this alternative material and was responsible for the first garden art to be mass-produced for the middle class. Everything from fountains and statues to urns were popular. Although affordable, the trade off with cast iron is that it rusts. Of course these days, the rust finish in garden art has a large following and is an important part of the French country, cottagecore and shabby chic styles.

Rome offers 5 designs in cast iron. Some of our dials are painted with a dark verdigris finish and then lacquered to stave off oxidation, but these dials will eventually rust. We also make a few dials that are pre-rusted and then given a little bit of a whitewash finish.

Cast iron Rome sundials are designed to fit all Rome pedestal bases.