Iron Timer

Hourglass holding a pinch of lilac sand and plenty of time left.

This glass and iron timer is contemporary. It is glass & purple iron. A sand timer measures a set span by letting fine grains run from one glass bulb into another through a narrow neck, a device in use since the medieval period. Clear-sided hourglass with a rounded top and bottom, narrowing to a tight waist. A small amount of lilac sand has built a spiky mound in the lower chamber. It sits on a square black base with a polished finish. It is 10 inches high and 3.5 in diameter.

Keeps time politely, and lets a little bit slip.