When you first look at this wooden sandglass (or hourglass) the columns look hand carved, no two are alike. However, I think this wonderful example has five uprights turned on a very, very slow lathe. Both disks are out of round by more than a quarter inch and have 4 compass-scribed concentric circles on each. The two collar bands of wood, inserted between the columns and the glass, are so thin, they look like wood shavings … which is exactly what they are! The surface is wonderful, soulful and original. There is a common myth that an hourglass with two orbs of glass means it was made in the 18th century, and two orbs blown as one, 19th century. However, I have a humorous 18th century print entitled “The Sleepy Congregation” and it depicts a wonderful sandglass with two orbs blown as one. I also once owned a 17th century Dutch still-life with a sandglass - very much like the one pictured here, unified orbs and all. I would date this ca.1760. Both disks have been cracked and glued. One of the collars has minor loss and all the columns have nailed tenons, on end, a reinforcement done in the 19th century. Time: 58 Min., 38 Sec.  7 inches tall, 3 ¾ inches at its widest.