Hour-glass

This ship's glass times four hours, which is the length of an ordinary naval watch. The bulbs are made from green glass. The centre joint is bound over with twine. The stand is made from wood, with hexagonal bases and four straight supports. There is a rope becket running around the frame through holes in the bases, which would allow it to be hung up on board ship. This would reduce the effect of the ship's motion on the hour-glass.

Object Details

ID: AST0090
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Hour-glass
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: 18C
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 320 x 85 x 85 mm
Parts: Hour-glass