20 Minute Antique Bobbin Sand Timer White or Black

RC054-1

$139.99

LIMITED INVENTORY

Made from recycled industrial artifacts from the the early 1960s, this 30 minute hourglass is a beautiful and unique piece! Justhourglasses.com exclusive.

Quick Overview

Made from recycled industrial artifacts from the the early 1960s
Measures 20 minutes of time
Made in the United Kingdom

This 20 minute timer is made of recycled industrial artifacts dating back to the 1960's. The timer is composed of antique wood spools found in abandoned textile mills in England. The spools were used to hold thread, cotton, and yarn that were spun into fabric. This particular timer was a ""tumbler"" and was used as a roller. Yarn passed between these rollers to be pressed and controlled before it was spun into fabric. The tumblers come from a variety of closed mills around Bradford, East Pennines and Wakefield. A vintage thread spool sticker is placed on the base to give it even more character.

As with all antique and hand-made items, the colors and decorations vary from piece to piece. We consider this to be a special part of their history and character.

Specifications

4"D x 9.75-11"H
Available with white or black sand
Item Weight 1.4 lbs.
Assembled when ordered, usually ships within 2-4 days

Hourglass Sand Timer Engraving Available Engraving available - see ideas - request quote

Hourglass Sand Timer Accuracy

Shipping Info

Returns Info

Delighted with my Antique Bobbin Hourglass!

I am delighted with the quality, function, and aesthetic of these hourglasses! My first hourglass was a gift (the 15-minute, off-focus timer with blue sand – also available from JustHourglasses.com). This was what demonstrated the peaceful simplicity an hourglass provides. I wanted something more timeless in appearance, so I acquired the 15-minute Pirate Bobbin Hourglass w/ Black sand (right) and the 20-minute Antique Bobbin Sand Timer with white sand (left). I use these interchangeably daily for journaling, planning, and rest periods.

Prior to purchase, I had several specific and detailed questions regarding provenance, fit, and finish. Shannon took the time to quickly answer them all, including making her own inquiry to the tumbler, bobbin, and spindle supplier to verify their origins.

Fit and finish is exactly what I had hoped for! I was very concerned that the randomness of the raw materials would make for a twisted, warped, and frankly embarrassing final product once in hand. That wasn’t the case at all! There is some warp and unevenness in the bobbin ends – after all, they are antique castaways and were never intended to be reused some day in this manner. However, their minor imperfections are not distracting and do not diminish the appearance or function in any way.

They look magnificent and are a delight to use! I ran multiple time tests, and the 15-minute Pirate Bobbin Hourglass runs an average of 15:10 (+1%, 99% accuracy) and the 20-minute Antique Bobbin Hourglass runs an average of 20:17 (+2%, 98% accuracy).