Brass Hourglass / Sand Glass (Decorative Desktop Accessory)
Other (Decorative Desktop Accessory / Timepiece Accent) · Traditional / Vintage Colonial Revival Style · Unmarked, likely modern vintage novelty/giftware manufacturer
Type
Other (Decorative Desktop Accessory / Timepiece Accent)
Style Period
Traditional / Vintage Colonial Revival Style
Material
Brass frame with blown glass bulb and fine sand filling
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s - 2000s
Dimensions
Height: 6-8 inches; Diameter: 3.5-4.5 inches
Origin
Likely mass-produced in India, Taiwan, or USA during late 20th century
Designer/Maker
Unmarked, likely modern vintage novelty/giftware manufacturer
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 (Secondary decorative market value)
Description
This object is a classic brass hourglass decorative accessory featuring a blown clear glass ampoule containing white sand, framed within three spindle-style brass support columns anchored by embossed round brass plates.
Key Features
Top plate stamped with an eagle emblem, bottom plate embossed with Roman numerals (I through XII), decorative spherical top finials, and baluster-turned vertical rods
Color & Finish
Aged warm brass finish with natural oxidation patination and minor tarnish
Construction Method
Machine-turned brass posts attached to stamped circular brass endplates with threaded cap nuts
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Mechanical screw-and-nut fasteners holding top and bottom plates together with central glass support collar
Wood Grain & Species
Not applicable (metallic and glass construction)
Surface Treatment
Stamped and embossed brass with Roman numeral markings on bottom plate and eagle emblem on top plate
Upholstery Details
Not applicable
Hardware & Fittings
Threaded brass rods, acorn decorative cap nuts, and spherical accent finials on top plate
Origin & Provenance
Likely mass-produced in India, Taiwan, or USA during late 20th century
Condition Notes
Good condition with natural surface patina, minor verdigris/tarnish, and intact glass vessel functioning properly
Interesting Facts
Hourglasses were historically used on ships to measure time spent on watch and were early navigational tools before modern mechanical clocks.
Cultural Significance
Represents the memento mori symbol of passing time; popular as executive desk accessories and decorative bookshelf accents.
Similar Pieces
Marine sand timers, Victorian desk hourglasses, modern minimal glass sand timers
Care & Maintenance
Dust gently with a soft micro-fiber cloth; avoid harsh chemical metal polishes if natural patina is desired.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 (Secondary decorative market value)
Sustainability Notes
Highly durable metal and glass construction designed for long-term decorative reusability.