Paul Lapp of Hamilton, ON Canada recently had the unpleasant experience of preparing a lecture on a local sundial that had been a fixture in town for 75 years - only to find that it was stolen just days before his scheduled talk. He is hoping that members of this list - and readers of the Message Board on the NASS site (sundials.org) will keep an eye open for any sign of the missing dial in antique shops, flea markets, etc.
If you find any information, please contact Paul Lapp ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) or Ania Latoszek ([EMAIL PROTECTED]), the curator of the historic home from which the dial has been stolen. Fred Sawyer ---------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Fred: Thank you for offering to help,This sundial was stolen on July 24 or 25 from the grounds of Whitehern,an historic home in here in Hamilton.The description is: This is a horizontal dial of brass 330 mm.in diameter.The gnomon had been missing for many years.It was purchased from George Bateman and Co.Ltd,52 Osborne Rd,Southsea,England in 1924. The horizontal plate is quite weathered. The hours are marked with Roman numerals which are correctly positioned for the latitude of Hamilton. There are no hour lines.In a narrow band outside the hours there are markings incised which are at 5 minute intervals. The Equation of Time runs counterclockwise by month and day inside the ring with the hour markings.Next is a decorative border and inside this a compass rose with eight points.Running through the rose is the motto "I MARK TIME DOST THOU I AM A SHADOW ART THOU." At the bottom is an illegible label. Yours sincerely, Paul W. Lapp Dear Mr. Sawyer: Thank you for offerring to get the word out about our missing sundial. If people who are interested and knowledgeable about historic sundials are aware that ours is missing it may help to track it down. Or if that's not possible, perhaps they could direct us to a source where we might be able to purchase a suitable replacement. I am delighted that Dr. Lapp has been in touch with you and that he has provided you with a description of the missing sundial. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Thank you for your help, I appreciate it very much. Sincerely, Ania Latoszek Curator, Whitehern (905) 546-2018 e-mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED]
