S/6085 Antique Treen Early 19th Century Ebony Sand Glass

A good quality early 19th century 1 hour duration solid ebony sand glass of pleasing proportions, having two glass bulbs connected by a narrow neck, enclosed in a circular ebony cage with turned spindle supports. It is attached to a circular ring turned platform at each end and the bulb is made in a single section, with a carefully gauged central hole. From the mid 18th century onwards the bulbs were made as a whole. Sand glasses were used in convents until circa 1900, till watches were permitted. They were also used in the Royal Navy till circa 1839 and on pulpits for church sermons etc. Times varied from three minutes for small egg timers through to quarter, half hourly and hourly times for other various uses, until watches and clocks gradually superseded them, (see Pinto pages 279-280). This is an excellent example and has a good colour and patination.

Sold 7¼ in. (18.5 cm.) High
3½ in. (9 cm.) Diameter English Circa 1820