Crafted from brass and running about 1 minutes, this 3.5" (approximately) this is an hourglass of antique style. The sand runs intermittently through these timers. While it does function, it is meant for a lovely display item.
Historically, methods of measuring time at sea were very limited. Hourglasses are believed to have been employed for this purpose as early as the 11th century. During his voyages, Magellan was reputed to carry 18 hourglasses on each ship.
This style of timer has consistently been employed since the 1400s for a broad array of uses from kitchen timers to industrial applications. These lovely pieces are a wonderful addition to any maritime or nautical decor setting.
