Sandglass, 28 seconds
Description
A whole Sandglass – 28 seconds. Circular top and base with four vertical supporting columns. Whipping and glass intact. Sand present but stuck in lower glass section. Top decorated with four circles and Broad Arrow.
A sandglass was a method of keeping time at sea. It was an important aid to navigation as it would help the crew work out how long they had been travelling on a particular course. The 28-second duration sandglasses were called ‘long’ duration sandglasses, they were used for measuring a ship’s speed in conjunction with a log line. The circular ends are all made of turned oak marked with a large broad arrow. The vertical posts are made of pine. The two bowls are separated by a brass control disc with a small central hole and bound together with a sail maker’s whipping.
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Object Detail
Diameter: 62mm (2 7/16")
Weight: (0.11kg)