Hour-glass

A four-fold glass with 15-, 30-, 45- and 60-minute glasses. The glasses bear the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 in red paint on each bulb, indicating the number of quarter-hours measured. There is also a flower painted on each bulb in red paint. They are filled with a white substance that is possibly ground eggshell. The central joints are bound with twine. The glasses are in a stand made from black wood carved in a Gothic style. There are seven supports carved with a spiral twist design. There is a mounting on the back for hanging the glasses on a wall. A piece of carving is missing from the top right of the back of the stand.

Object Details

ID: AST0062
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Hour-glass
Display location: Display - ROG
Creator: Unknown
Date made: 17C
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 205 x 225 x 71 mm