Hour-glass

A 40-minute glass filled with grey sand. The glass has a pronounced dimple where it joins the base. The centre joint is bound over with twine and sealed with wax. The stand has circular bases made from turned oak discs, and four turned wooden supports which swell towards the middle. The bases are each decorated with four concentric rings. The glass may have been over-filled during restoration by the previous owner - it is probable that it originally timed 30 minutes.

Object Details

ID: AST0112
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Hour-glass
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: 18C
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Foulkes Collection
Measurements: Overall: 190 x 95 mm