Two exceptional 17th Century Hourglass

For Sale are Two Rare 17th Century Hourglass.

Exceptional 17th Century Hourglass with five Boxwood Baluster uprights and deep draught turned ends. The two hand blown bulbs filled with a mixture. While some early hourglasses actually did use silica sand as the granular material to measure time, many did not use sand at all. The material used in most bulbs was “powdered marble, tin/lead oxides, or pulverized, burnt eggshell”.

The centre binding the two bulbs a mixture of string and wax. 
This is a stunning quality Hourglass / Sand timer made around 1680-1700 and in perfect condition and of fine colour and patination. Five spindle models are the rarest and most desirable. The proportions are delightful.  Approximately 20 centimetres tall.

The small Hourglass is a very special, possibly, ships Surgeon or Apothecary piece and dates from 1700-1720. The four egg/bobbin turned uprights are Bovine (bone) most likely Mutton and almost certainly Sailors work.  The Rare castellated ends also draught turned. The two delicate bulbs also joined and bound by wax and string and hold a wonderful Red (Rosso Levanto) crushed marble. Two exceptionally rare collectors pieces. Approximately 8 centimetres tall.

Price

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report