Mid-Century Chef Head Hanging Egg Timer | Hand-Painted Wood Plaque

Whimsical Kitchen Charm with Folk Art Appeal

Add a touch of nostalgic kitchen character with this hand-painted wooden chef head hanging egg timer. Designed as a vertical plaque, the upper section features a smiling chef portrait framed by a red dotted border, while the lower section houses a classic sand timer insert.

Likely dating to the 1940s–1950s, the piece reflects mid-century kitchen novelty design with its warm wood tones and bold decorative accents. The glass hourglass remains intact, secured within its original fitting.

The plaque measures approximately 4 ½” tall. A metal loop at the top allows for wall hanging. The reverse shows period hardware and slotted screw construction consistent with mid-20th-century manufacture. The piece is in good vintage condition with expected surface wear, minor paint aging, and natural patina to the wood. The sand timer remains functional.

✨ Collector’s Note: Mid-century kitchen timers were often designed as decorative wall accents as much as practical tools. Wooden examples with intact glass inserts are less commonly found than porcelain counterparts and add warmth to retro or cottage-inspired kitchens.