A decorative brass and glass hourglass with white sand. 5”

Hourglasses, also known as sandglasses or sand timers, have been used for centuries to measure the passage of time. Their simple yet effective mechanism relies on the flow of granular material, typically sand, from one bulb to another through a narrow aperture. They were widely used in maritime navigation, religious services, and various other applications where precise timekeeping was necessary before the advent of more sophisticated mechanical clocks.

This particular hourglass appears to be made of brass and glass, with a decorative top. While not an antique in the strictest sense, such items often evoke a vintage aesthetic and are popular as decorative pieces or for light timekeeping tasks. The design with the decorative spheres on top is a common feature in many decorative hourglasses produced in the latter half of the 20th century. Inscription 1997 Rhodes Columbus Day Sale