AMERICAN BRONZE SUNDIAL SIGNED DANIEL BALCH, NEWBURYPORT MASS

Description

AMERICAN BRONZE SUNDIAL SIGNED DANIEL BALCH,
NEWBURYPORT MASS
I purchased this sundial at a Sotheby's sale (#5879) in June, 1989. The sale was the Thielmann Collection of Watches, Clocks and Scientific Instruments and the sundial was item #217. I had purchased a new home at the time and I was looking for a sundial to put in the garden - where it remained for more than 30 years. The dial is signed
Daniel Balch, Newburyport, Mass.
Daniel Balch is listed as working in Newburyport from 1780 to 1820.* The Latin inscription on the dial "
Horas non numero nisi serenas"
translated means
“I don't count the hours unless they're tranquil". The dial measures approximately 11-1/2" in diameter and the gnomon is 5" high. I've made no effort to clean the bronze dial up after languishing in my garden for more than 30 years but it is in excellent condition physically. I originally posted this sundial a few months ago but the purchaser never paid for it so I'm relisting it now.
I'm selling this sundial as is, no return so please view the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description. Ask any questions you might have before bidding and I'll reply promptly.
*Listed in the Dictionary of American Clock and Watchmakers by Ken Sposato.