Late Victorian pocket sand timer with shagreen case

For sale, a Late Victorian pocket sand timer with shagreen case.

This unusual fifteen second glass sand timer measures just 6cms in length and has a 0.5cm diameter. For protection, it is encased in 7.5cm metal tube lavishly covered in shagreen and with a rectangular slit cut into each side so that it may be used whilst remaining protected from damage. To remove the timer, a lid with twist catch and chain attachment is removed from one end.

Sadly no makers details with this lovely item but it is likely due to its size and portability that it was intended for medical use

Circa 1890