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Mystery Artifact

A

AllanKP69

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Can any one identify the item in the photo below? It was salvaged from the wreck of the HMS Fowey (44) 1744 thank sank in Biscayne Bay in 1784. I visited with the archeologist there a couple days ago about a project and they asked me if I knew what it is. I have no idea. They had some guesses, but I am hoping a member here will know what it actually is. It is made of copper and is about 4 or 5 inches long to give some perspective.
Thanks in advance.
Allan

1778200835707.jpeg
 
It looks to have been deformed as I believe the two sharp points lined up with each other at one time.
Is it round in shape or a flattish container?
Are the or were the ends removable or permanent?
Also,
Are there any marks inside the item?
 
As posted, the diameter is about 2 inches so it is cylindrical. It is in a case so not accessible to pick up and examine more closely. Next time I meet with them I will ask if I can examine it more closely as you have posted good questions. I do believe the right end in the picture is open. There is speculation that it held a small hour glass like the one below.
Allan
1778235326511.jpeg
 
The writing and engraved lines suggest to me that it was a decorative item / higher value tool. The hour glass you suggested seems like a likely candidate. Alternatively could it possibly been some sort of decorative lantern holding a candle? Is there any indication of holes for hanging it up?
 
If it is an hour glass the case would need to be flat on each end so the glass could be flipped to show the next time segment. This does not look like it would stand on the left end. I would like to see pictures of the back side and the ends. Very interesting item and to be so old!
 
Ok, I will play devil's advocate here. It seems to me, if someone was taking the time to construct a "decorative" hourglass case/holder, the viewing areas would not be cut out so crudely. Looking at the reference hourglass image, the viewing areas edges are smooth and symmetrical. Of course, the original could have been lost and this was a make shift solution. But the rough looking cutouts and the reason they are that way may offer the biggest clue. Very interesting though. Thanks for sharing.
 
I found the following in the book Fowey Lost and Found. This artifact was from the wreck site. It could very well have been damaged during the sinking and/or during some of the looting of other items before the NPS and English took control. England still maintains owner ship as she was a warship. Considering her use and size, it was likely held by hand or some sort of holding set up, not standing alone on a leaning, bouncing surface. I cannot turn it or otherwise show other pictures as it is in a glass display case. The next time I visit, I will ask if they can remove it for more photos. The book mentioned above calls it a timing glass. The following is one definition of a timing glass that I found:

Measuring Time for Dead Reckoning: The most critical use was to measure the speed of the ship in conjunction with the chip log. A "log glass"—typically a 28 or 14-second glass—measured the time allowed for a log line to run out, allowing the crew to calculate the ship's speed in knots.

Allan
 
My guess is it was an officer’s or sailor’s personal possession, a navigational/instrument fragment, a lantern, or firearm accessory. That narrows it downROTF
 
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