Brass 30
Minute Hourglass.

Ship's time was divided into half hours. The helmsman would keep a thirty minute hourglass at hand, to keep track of the eight half hours of each watch. One half-hour on board ship's was actually called a "Glass". On board the helmsman would sound the Ship's bell a consecutive number of times for each half hour passed of the current watch.

Our museum reproduction of an early 19th century hourglass is cleverly gimbaled. Hanging from its own wallhook, it can be flipped over to restart it. Desk-bound, it makes a handsome accessory. This hourglass once governed time on board a French Admiralty vessel. (H: 7")

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