Vintage Lucite Encased Hourglass Timer
Decorative Arts / Mid-Century Modern Collectibles

Vintage Lucite Encased Hourglass Timer

A rectangular decorative object consisting of a small glass hourglass or sand timer suspended within a solid block of transparent acrylic resin, commonly referred to as Lucite. The block stands approximately 3 to 4 inches tall with a rectangular footprint. The internal hourglass features light yellow or cream-colored fine sand particles. Over time, the clear resin has developed a distinct yellow-amber patina, a common sign of aging in 20th-century plastics due to UV exposure and oxidation. The surface of the plastic shows various micro-scratches, scuffs, and minor abrasions consistent with mid-century household use. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures on the outer surfaces. The craftsmanship represents a typical novelty desktop accessory from the 1960s or 1970s, utilizing the 'embedded' casting technique popular during that era. While the resin has yellowed, the internal glass components remain intact with no visible cracks, though the overall clarity of the piece is diminished by surface wear and the chemical shift of the material.

Estimated Value

$45 - $65

Basic Information

Category

Decorative Arts / Mid-Century Modern Collectibles

Appraised On

April 23, 2026

Estimated Value

$45 - $65

Item Description

A rectangular decorative object consisting of a small glass hourglass or sand timer suspended within a solid block of transparent acrylic resin, commonly referred to as Lucite. The block stands approximately 3 to 4 inches tall with a rectangular footprint. The internal hourglass features light yellow or cream-colored fine sand particles. Over time, the clear resin has developed a distinct yellow-amber patina, a common sign of aging in 20th-century plastics due to UV exposure and oxidation. The surface of the plastic shows various micro-scratches, scuffs, and minor abrasions consistent with mid-century household use. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures on the outer surfaces. The craftsmanship represents a typical novelty desktop accessory from the 1960s or 1970s, utilizing the 'embedded' casting technique popular during that era. While the resin has yellowed, the internal glass components remain intact with no visible cracks, though the overall clarity of the piece is diminished by surface wear and the chemical shift of the material.

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