18th Century Pewter Water Clock

Late 18th century Solid Pewter Water Clock with Roman numeral hour markings on either side. A weighted round base supports a clover-handled stem leading to refillable reservoir (likely used with whale oil). Water is placed in poured into the hand-blown glass bulb by removing the press-fit lid at its top. The pewter around the bulb features Roman Numerals (1-12) on either side. Circa 1780. 

This device was used to measure a length of time; The water is filled into the bulb and the lamp is lit. As the lamp burns, the water temperature inside the lamp will arise until evaporation is measurable. You are then able to roughly & relatively gauge the amount of time that has elapsed.

Dimensions: 10.5" x 6"

Weight: 1 lb. 4.1 oz.