Showing 136 items
matching balance weight
-
National Wool Museum
Instrument - Scales, 1880-1898
... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TESTING WEIGHT OF CLOTHS. Place sample to be tested on a piece... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TESTING WEIGHT OF CLOTHS. Place sample to be tested on a piece ...At the time of sale, the last of the Hirst family to work in the mill located in Geelong gave Donald (donor Bruce's father) Doherty a set of scales that had been used by several generations of Hirsts and adapted by them over time for specific use in their mill. These Scales were saved from waste and being thrown away at the time of sale to remain in use in the industry in the hands of someone who knew how to use them. The scales were used in calculating the weight of cloth and simultaneously calculating the amount of yarn required to weave it following the instructions printed within the box. The box bears the signatures of two Hirst family members, one being Lewis Hirst dated at 1898. The original brass pole has been replaced with a replica metal somewhere throughout the years after the brass pole broke through use. Hirst was brought by McKendrick in the 1960s and these scales sat for 12 months as part of the 12 month "cooling off" period. The scales were then handed to Donald rather than being disposed of.Scales used for weighing and calculating weight and thread count of textile samples. Originated from Godfrey Hirst Mills in Geelong. Writing describes how to utilise scales. Scales are made from brass, pole for holding scales once brass now replaced with metal pole. Scales held inside wooden box with black text in ink depicting use of scales on paper located inside and outside of box.Outside of box. Wording: APPARTUS for TESTING the WEIGHT per YARD of CLOTHS & COUNT of YARN from a small SAMPLE. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indispensable to Manufactures, Merchants & handling Woollen, Worsted, Cotton, Linen, Jute, Hemp, Flannel, Felt, Army, Navy, Police, Railway, Sail & other Cloths -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USED IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The apparatus consists of Scales, Weights, 1, 2 & 4 sq. inch Cutting Templates & Book of Tables --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------By weighing a small Sample the accurate Weight in Ounces of a yard of Cloth any width from 18 to 64 inches, the Weight per Square Metre in Grams, the Counts* of Warp and Weft, and the approximate length of full & short ends of pieces of fabrics, [without unrolling and measuring for stocktaking & other purposes] can be ascertained without any Calculation --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Price in United Kingdom, 25s., Carriage Paid. Price to Canada & U.S.A. $6.75 do. H. Lord. 10, And Place, Bradford, England. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*When ordering, state on what system you base your YARN COUNTS. Inside of box. Wording: DIRECTIONS FOR USE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TESTING WEIGHT OF CLOTHS. Place sample to be tested on a piece of cardboard, put a Cutting Template on it, cut card and cloth round template with scissors and weigh it according to instructions given in Book of Tables. TESTING FOR YARN COUNTS. Cut out 1 square inch of cloth, draw out wrap or weft threads, according to which is being tested, and the number of inches so drawn, that balance respective weight is the approximate Count. The same rule holds good when number of inches are drawn from a bobbin. In testing from the cloth, allowance has to be made for loss or gain in the process of manufacture. Weight marked C is for Cotton Counts " " W " " Worsted " " " WS " " Woollen Skeins " " L " " Linen Counts. The weights for testing samples of cloth are 20, 10, 10, 5, 3, 2, 1, grains in brass & '5, '3, '2, '1 [tenths of a grain] in aluminium. Inside of box. Signtures, handwritten: Bottom right: Lewis Hirst !898 Top Left (Smudge ?) W Hirst !935godfrey hirst, hirst family, textile design, textile creation -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Scales, Shop,Imperial, ‘Dayton Scale’, c1900
... to a balance beam connected to a recording mechanism that displays ...This 'Dayton Scale' was used in a grocery shop in Moorabbin Shire in 20thC to measure grain, sugar, fruit, vegetables, lollies, etc as required by the shopkeeper for the purchase by customers. The Dayton Scale Company, originally known as the Computing Scale Company, built and marketed the first computing scale in 1891. It was part of the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company formed in 1911, and became an IBM division in 1933. The Dayton Scale Division was eventually sold to the Hobart Manufacturing Company when IBM decided to stop marketing scales to retail stores. The Computing Scale Company of Dayton was operated from 1891-1914 by two businessmen from Dayton, Ohio who purchased patents on the recently invented computing scale. It was merged with other companies to become the forerunner company for IBM. On July 20 1897 Mr CC Hobart & Herbert L. Johnson formed the Hobart Electrical Manufacturing Company in Troy, Ohio USA. 1915 Hobart continues its growth into the World market, opening a sales office in Australia. Dayton grocery scales, capacity 2 pounds, Imperial Measure. It is made from white painted steel with a large metal scoop that sits on 2 steel rods attached to a balance beam connected to a recording mechanism that displays the ‘weight’ in a glass framed gauge. In window of glass framed gauge ; DAYTON SCALE CO. / OHIO USA ; Computed from 0 – 2LB in 1oz sections weights, measures, shops, scales. balances, grocery stores, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, dayton scales company, ibm pty ltd., hobarrt electrical manufacturing company, hobart c.c., johnson herbert l, computing scale company ohio -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Scales, Imperial, Spring, 'Salter Household Scale’ 28lb, c1920
... . weights measures shops scales. balances grocery stores early ...In the 18th century, spring scales appeared. To produce these scales, a manufacturer would use the resistance of a spring to calculate weights, which could be read automatically on the scale’s face. The ease of use of spring scales over balance scales is what led most post offices to outfit their clerks with spring postal scales. One of the most common types of spring scales was the kitchen scale—also known as a family or dial scale. Designed for horizontal surfaces, these scales used the weight of goods in a pan at the top of the scale to force the spring down. Such scales were common in early-20th-century households and were sold by Sears and Montgomery Ward. Many had flat weighing surfaces but some were topped by shallow pans. Companies such as Salters, Chatillon, and Fairbanks made both. SALTER HOUSEWARES began in the late 1760 in the village of Bilston, England. At this time Richard Salter, a spring maker, began making 'pocket steelyards', a scale similar to the fisherman's scale of today. By 1825 his nephew George had taken over the company, which became known as George Salter & Co. and later established a large, well equipped manufacturing site in the town of West Bromwich. The business thrived throughout the 1900s, and in 1972 the company was purchased by Staveley Industries Plc. In 2002, the management team at Salter Housewares Ltd, backed by Barclays Private Equity, bought the company out from the group, to concentrate on its consumer businesses. In 2004 was sold to the US-based HoMedics company, and in 2006, Salter Housewares USA and Taylor Precision Products Inc (also owned by HoMedics) merged.Salter Brand No. 46 Household Spring Balance Kitchen Scales made of green painted metal with a white large clock face dial marked in 1oz graduations and with a shallow metal bowl placed on the flat top connected to the mechanism. An adjustable screw tightened or loosened the spring to bring the pointer to zero, prior to adding the material to be weighed.. A common piece of kitchen equipment as most families used this type of scale when measuring goods for cooking or storing. HOUSEHOLD SCALE / NO. 46 / SALTER / TO WEIGH 28 LB / ( rope & arrow TM) BRITISH MADE Base rope & anchor S (trade mark) weights, measures, shops, scales. balances, grocery stores, early settlers, moorabbin, bentleigh, cheltenham, salter housewares pty ltd, west bromwich, england, salter george, salter richard, bilston england -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Scales,Spring Balnce Imperial ‘Household’ Salter, 20thC
... recipes scales weights measures brass balance beam moorabbin ...In the 18th century, spring scales appeared. To produce these scales, a manufacturer would use the resistance of a spring to calculate weights, which could be read automatically on the scale’s face. The ease of use of spring scales over balance scales is what led most post offices to outfit their clerks with spring postal scales. One of the most common types of spring scales was the kitchen scale—also known as a family or dial scale. Designed for horizontal surfaces, these scales used the weight of goods in a pan at the top of the scale to force the spring down. Such scales were common in early-20th-century households and were sold by Sears and Montgomery Ward. Many had flat weighing surfaces but some were topped by shallow pans. Companies such as Salters, Chatillon, and Fairbanks made both. SALTER HOUSEWARES began in the late 1760 in the village of Bilston, England. At this time Richard Salter, a spring maker, began making 'pocket steelyards', a scale similar to the fisherman's scale of today. By 1825 his nephew George had taken over the company, which became known as George Salter & Co. and later established a large, well equipped manufacturing site in the town of West Bromwich. The business thrived throughout the 1900s, and in 1972 the company was purchased by Staveley Industries Plc. In 2002, the management team at Salter Housewares Ltd, backed by Barclays Private Equity, bought the company out from the group, to concentrate on its consumer businesses. In 2004 was sold to the US-based HoMedics company, and in 2006, Salter Housewares USA and Taylor Precision Products Inc (also owned by HoMedics) merged. Salter Brand No. 44 Household Spring Balance Kitchen Scales made of green painted metal with a large clock face dial marked in 1oz graduations and with a shallow metal bowl placed on the flat top connected to the mechanism. An adjustable screw tightened or loosened the spring to bring the pointer to zero, prior to adding the material to be weighed.. A common piece of kitchen equipment as most families used this type of scale when measuring goods for cooking or storing.On Clock face ; NO. 44 / HOUSEHOLD SCALE / TO WEIGH 14LB X 1OZ / Pro. Pat. No. 30819 / 32 / MADE IN ENGLAND / SALTER / S in trademark rope with arrow market gardeners, early settlers, fruit, vegetables, farmers, cooking, recipes, scales, weights, measures, brass, balance beam, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, kitchen scales, dairy products, cereals, wheat flour, salter housewares pty ltd, west bromwich england -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Tool - Brass balance 'Salters', c1900
... , cheltenham, tools, craftsman, balance, scales, weights, imperial ...In the 18th century, spring scales appeared. To produce these scales, a manufacturer would use the resistance of a spring to calculate weights, which could be read automatically on the scale’s face. The ease of use of spring scales over balance scales is what led most post offices to outfit their clerks with spring postal scales. One of the most common types of spring scales was the kitchen scale—also known as a family or dial scale. Designed for horizontal surfaces, these scales used the weight of goods in a pan at the top of the scale to force the spring down. Such scales were common in early-20th-century households and were sold by Sears and Montgomery Ward. Many had flat weighing surfaces but some were topped by shallow pans. Companies such as Salters, Chatillon, and Fairbanks made both. SALTER HOUSEWARES began in the late 1760 in the village of Bilston, England. At this time Richard Salter, a spring maker, began making 'pocket steelyards', a scale similar to the fisherman's scale of today. By 1825 his nephew George had taken over the company, which became known as George Salter & Co. and later established a large, well equipped manufacturing site in the town of West Bromwich. The business thrived throughout the 1900s, and in 1972 the company was purchased by Staveley Industries Plc. In 2002, the management team at Salter Housewares Ltd, backed by Barclays Private Equity, bought the company out from the group, to concentrate on its consumer businesses. In 2004 was sold to the US-based HoMedics company, and in 2006, Salter Housewares USA and Taylor Precision Products Inc (also owned by HoMedics) merged. A portable, brass balance scale , 'Salters' for weighing items. A steel ring holds a brass plate marked with graduations 0 – 26 to which is attached a steel hook. ( rope & arrow TM ) / SALTER / POCKET / BALANCE / MADE IN ENGLAND Graduated 0 – 26 / PATENT / No. 8 Base rope & anchor S (trade mark) pioneers, early settlers, market gardeners, moorabbin, brighton, cheltenham, tools, craftsman, balance, scales, weights, imperial measure,, salter housewares pty ltd, west bromwich, england, salter george, salter richard, bilston england, -
Greensborough Historical Society
Scales, Kitchen scales, 1900c
... weights. kitchen scales scales balances ...Domestic kitchen balance scales used to measure ingredients, made of cast iron, they would have a tray for ingredients and graduated weights.Kitchen scales, to weigh 4 lbs, with weights of 1 lb and 4 oz.kitchen scales, scales, balances -
Greensborough Historical Society
Domestic object - Scales, Kitchen scales
Used in kitchen to measure quantities up to one pound.Kitchen scales, painted cream with set of 5 weights and aluminium dish (not original)1 oz, 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz, 1 lbscales, kitchen scales, balances -
Federation University Historical Collection
Letter, Specificaitons for takign down , carting and reerecting Engine gear puddlers
... engine house balance weights sludge vat ...Handwritten specifications.engine, gear, air pipes, surface horizontal gear, machine horses, sluice deck, tram roads, step ladders, engine house, balance weights, sludge vat -
Federation University Historical Collection
Photograph, Ballarat School of Mines Balance Room, c1907
This image was reproduced in the 1908 Ballarat School of Mines Calendar. During the early 1900s the Ballarat School of Mines had an international reputation for producing quality mining graduates. The graduates had much sought after practical experience. Their studies included 'real' experience in the Ballarat School of Mines Mining Laboratory, Assay Room, Balance Room, etc. This image was reproduced in the 1908 Ballarat School of Mines Annual Report. It is a room in the building now known as the "Old Chemistry Building'.Black and white photograph showing three men working at balances while assaying in the Ballarat School of Mines Balance Room. "Plate 117 Balance Rooms, School of Minesballarat school of mines, scientific equipment, assaying, assay, weigh, weight, scales, assay laboratory, old chemistry building, mining -
Federation University Historical Collection
Letter - Correspondence, Inwards correspondence to the Ballarat School of Mines, 1908, 07/01908
... metallurgy h.b. silberberg Specific Gravity Balance and Weights Union ...The Ballarat School of Mines was the first school of Mines in Australasia, and was established in 1870. It is a predecessor institution of Federation University Australia.Correspondence to the Ballarat School of Mines for the month of July 1908. Letter 162 Ballarat Fine Art Public Gallery Association 19 Lydiard Street North Ballarat, 26th June 1908 Sir, I am directed to inform you that at a meeting of the Council of the above held last evening, your previously acknowledged letter of 11th June 1908, addressted to "E. [Stoer?] Esq, President Late Technical Art School Committee", was received and referred to a committee for its report thereon, cousi directions of which was made are the Order of the Day for the Councils next Ordinary Monthly Meeting. I am, Sir, Your Obedient Servant, J.A. Powell Secretary F.J. Martell Esq Director The Ballarat School of Mines Ballarat ballarat school of mines, frederick martell, ballarat fine art gallery, j.a. powell, art gallery of ballarat, gallery association, charles j. morris, ballarat fine art public gallery association, telegram, c.h. clark, l. ditchburn, alumni, examinations, w.g. taylor, london bank of australia limited, bealiba, thomas r. lyle, jessie chalmers, signor steffani, arundel orchard, w.f. coltman, e.e. hobson, j.t. mooney, queanbeyan, p.e. marmion, willaim m. robertson, assay, e.e. brook, lloyd copper mines, h.b. silberberg & co., education department melbourne, c. james, w. west, haddon, warragul, bakers reef gold mning company, letterhead, victorian portland cement works, d. mitchell, electric lighting and traction co. australia ltd, austral otis engineering comapny ltd, melbourne glass bottle works company, cuming, smith & co. pty ltd, excursions, metropolitan gas company, jaques bros manufacturing engineers, victoria iron works, a. victor leggo co, leggo's metallurgical works, melbourne hydraulic power company limited, mount lyell mining and railway coy ltd, victorian railways, telegraph, land surveying, j. brittain, g. fitzgerald, hamilton, cochran and co, wynne-grant antimony reduction company, mt egerton and gordons mining co, e. hogan, e.c. connell, a.d. galoway, metallurgy, h.b. silberberg, specific gravity balance and weights, union bank of australia (ballarat), bullarto, bush inn, bullarto, w. harrington, prospective student, book donaton from smithsonian institution, e. la t. armstrong, department of mines and forests, melbourne, snake valley, r. hall-jones, c. calaby, clementston, thomas ramsay, w.d. thompson, longmans, green and co, selwyn chase, missionary exhibition, aboriginal court of the missionary exhibition, examination results, leslie coulter, hnery j. saw, thomas ramsay, virgil tucker, leslie c. blick, thomas r. williams, oliver w. williams, thomas r. williams, leo m. seward, david w. bonar, louis w.g. buchner, leo m. seward, albert j. robin, james a. chambers, james d. brokenshire, william kingston, edgar c. hurdsfield, virgil tucker, oliver w. williams, william g. sides, herbert hawkesworth, colin c. corrie, henry j. saw, thomas h. trengrove, thomas r. prigdeon, harold b. herbert, viola p. jackson, lionel s. davies, stanley w. tompkins, arthur m. lilburne -
Federation University Historical Collection
Scientific Object, Boxed Weights for Beam Balance
... Scientific Object Boxed Weights for Beam Balance 9 weights from 1 ...Set of weights to be used with a beam balance9 weights from 1 to 50 gram plus 8 fractional pieces 0.5 down. Tweezers with bone tips. Box lined with purple velvetweights, gram, tweezers, beam balance -
Federation University Historical Collection
Scientific Instruments, Boxed Weight Set
... ." These weights would have been used with a Beam Balance. Forceps were ...These weights would have been used with a Beam Balance. Forceps were to be used when moving weights from the box.Set of 17 weights in a hinged timber box.On Lid "Box No. 8. Check the weights before & after using them. Always use the forceps to handle the weights."weights, scientific instruments, grams, milligrams, beam balance weights -
Federation University Historical Collection
Scientific Object, Scales
Used at Ballarat School of Mines / University of Ballarat2 pound weigh scale; yellow gold gunmetal base, brass pans. Black pointer indicates balance."AVERY" and "TO WEIGH 2LB MADE IN ENGLAND".scales, brass, avery, england, weight, weigh, ballarat school of mines, university of ballarat, school of business, office equipment -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Spring Scale
... . Scale of pounds weight. The first spring balance in Britain ...The first spring balance in Britain was made around 1770 by Richard Salter of Bilston, near Wolverhampton. He and his nephews John & George, founded the firm of George Salter & Co., still notable makers of scales and balances, who in 1838 patented the spring balance. They also applied the same spring balance principle to steam locomotive safety valves, replacing the earlier deadweight valves. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_scale Today, spring scales are very popular with recreational fishers. The ability to weigh things reasonably accurately with a small inexpensive apparatus allowed for the exact weight of items to be ascertained. However, it was not accurate enough to weigh small amounts in ounces or grams.Scale. Has ring for hanging, spring and hook device for weighing. Measures in lbs.Scale of pounds weight.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Weight
The disc-shaped design of these 1LB and 2 LB metal weights enables them to be stacked one on top of the other. The weights are used with a balance scale to accurately weigh the mass of items such as grain, sugar, meat or potatoes. They could have been used in retail or wholesale businesses like a general store or a grain merchant’s premises. The user would place either one or both of these weights on one side of a balance scale. Goods would then be placed onto the other side of the scale until the beam between both sides of the scale was level, showing that the weight of the goods was as heavy as the weight or weights on the other side. These two weights are marked in Imperial units. An Imperial Standard 1LB is equal to 453.592grams. The British Weights and Measures Act of 1824 defined official standards for weights and measurements. This ensured that uniform measurements would be used for trade throughout the Empire. Towns and districts would have an official set of Imperial Standard Weights and Measures. Inspectors periodically used this official set to check the accuracy of traders’ own weights and measures. There would be penalties such as fines or imprisonment for people who broke these laws. The State of Victoria had its own Weight and Measures Act in 1862 and a decade later the inspectors in local councils used their local set of weights and measures to test the local businesses measuring equipment. In the nineteenth century the Victorian Customs Department carried out this role but this was handed over to the Melbourne Observatory at the beginning of the twentieth century. The Measures Branch then followed on with this task from the 1940s until 1995. Australia began converting to the metric system in the 1960s, beginning with its money. The conversion from imperial to metric units of measurement in Australia took place from 1970 and was completed in 1988 when metric units became the only legal unit of measurement. Imperial Standard weights; set of two disc-shaped weights designed to stack one upon the other. Inscriptions are marked in relief. "IMPERIAL STANDARD 1LB" [weight 1], "IMPERIAL STANDARD 2LB" [weight 2]warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, wieght, weights and measures, imperial standard weight -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Equipment - Weight
The disc-shaped design of this 2 LB metal weight enables it to be stacked on top of another similarly shaped weight. The weight is used with a balance scale to accurately weigh the mass of items such as grain, sugar, meat or potatoes. It could have been used in retail or wholesale businesses like a general store or a grain merchant’s premises. The user would place the weight on one side of a balance scale. Goods would then be placed onto the other side of the scale until the beam between both sides of the scale was level, showing that the weight of the goods was as heavy as the weight on the other side. This weight is marked in Imperial units. An Imperial Standard 1LB, or one pound, is equal to 453.592grams. The British Weights and Measures Act of 1824 defined official standards for weights and measurements. This ensured that uniform measurements would be used for trade throughout the Empire. Towns and districts would have an official set of Imperial Standard Weights and Measures. Inspectors periodically used this official set to check the accuracy of traders’ own weights and measures. There would be penalties such as fines or imprisonment for people who broke these laws. The State of Victoria had its own Weight and Measures Act in 1862 and a decade later the inspectors in local councils used their local set of weights and measures to test the local businesses measuring equipment. In the nineteenth century the Victorian Customs Department carried out this role but this was handed over to the Melbourne Observatory at the beginning of the twentieth century. The Measures Branch then followed on with this task from the 1940s until 1995. Australia began converting to the metric system in the 1960s, beginning with its money. The conversion from imperial to metric units of measurement in Australia took place from 1970 and was completed in 1988 when metric units became the only legal unit of measurement.Weight; 2 lbs. Metal disc designed for stacking. Inscription marked in relief. Imperial Standard weight, 2 pounds weight."IMPERIAL STANDARD", "2lbs"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, standard measure, imperial standard, weight, 2lb weight, imperial standard weight -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Balance Scale, Henry Crane (Crane Foundry), 1870-1900
The Crane foundry opened some time before 1827 and was known as Atherton’s Foundry, run by James Atherton and Henry Crane. Initially it was a brass foundry, but by 1827 iron castings were also produced on the site. The main products were castings for the building industry, ironmongery and brassware. In the 1830s castings for the hand tool and lock industries were added to the product range and by 1836 Henry Crane had taken control of the business. The company became known as the Crane Foundry in 1847 with its own registered trademark. By the 1850s iron weights were produced, and a design was registered in 1872 with roundels decorating the edge. Brass weights were also produced, mainly after the regulation of 1890 that required weights of 2oz. or less to be made of brass. In the early 1900s the foundry began to produce castings for electric motors and continued to do so throughout its life. The Crane family continued to control the company until 1917 when William Cyril Parkes of lock makers Josiah Parkes & Sons Limited, Willenhall became a majority shareholder. Things were going well until the company’s liabilities spiraled out of control with the rise in electricity and gas prices along with the loss of two of the company’s largest customers. The factory went into liquidation and then closed in 2006 an end to one of Wolverhampton’s oldest companies.An item made by one of England's foundry’s based in Wolverhampton that exported items all over the world for many years. The scale gives a snapshot into the commercial life not only of England by Australian colonial life before Federation.Beam scale with three weights (4lb, 2lb, 1lb), metal tray, corrodedMarked on 2lb weight "Wolverhampton Crane Foundry" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, scale, beam scale, pounds and ounces, imperial weight, grocers scale, domestic scale, henry crane, crane foundry -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Platform Scales
Thaddeus Fairbanks (1796 –1886) was an American inventor. of heating and cook stoves, cast iron ploughs, and other items. His greatest success was the invention and manufacture of the platform scale, which allowed the weighing of large objects accurately. Fairbanks was born in Brimfield, Massachusetts, on January 17, 1796, the son of Joseph Fairbanks (1763–1846) and Phebe (Paddock) Fairbanks (1760–1853). His uncle was Ephraim Paddock, the brother of Phebe Paddock. In 1815 he moved to St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and set up a wheelwright's shop above his father's gristmill. In 1820 he married Lucy Peck Barker and In 1824 he built an iron foundry. his brother Erastus joined him to establish E. and T. Fairbanks, a partnership to manufacture heating stoves, cast iron ploughs a design for which he patented in 1826. In 1830 Fairbanks and Erastus became interested in the raising and processing of hemp. Fairbanks went on to patent a hemp and flax dressing machine and became the manager of the St. Johnsbury Hemp Company. He also built a set of scales that would measure large loads of hemp accurately, as there were no reliable scales at the time. Upon the success of building these scales, his brothers recommended that he make and sell these for general use. Fairbanks' most famous invention then became the platform scale for weighing heavy objects. These are commonly known as the Fairbanks Scales, for which he patented his original design in 1830. Before this time, accurate weighing of objects required hanging them from a balancing beam as a result, particularly heavy or ungainly objects could not be weighed accurately. A platform scale, if large enough, could weigh an entire wagon. By placing a full wagon on the scale, unloading it, and then placing it on the scale when empty, it became possible to easily and accurately calculate the weight and value of farm produce and other loads. In 1834 Fairbanks and his brother formed "E. and T. Fairbanks and Company" to manufacture and sell these platform scales. These scales were well known in the United States and around the world resulting in the company doubling in volume every three years from 1842 to 1857. There was a temporary slow down during the American Civil War, however, the business took off again after the war. Their partnership was incorporated in 1874 into a firm known as "Fairbanks Scale Company". These platform scales revolutionized weighing methods of large loads and have been in use ever since. Portable platform scales are found in almost every hardware store, physician's office, and manufacturing factory throughout the United States and the world. The first railway track platform scale patent was granted to Fairbanks on January 13, 1857, as Patent No. 16,381. In 1916 the company was purchased by ”Fairbanks, Morse and Company”. Ownership of the company has since changed several times, but Fairbanks Scales continue to be made in St. Johnsbury Vermont to this day. Fairbanks had received 43 patents in his lifetime with the last one at the age of 91. He died on April 12, 1886, and is buried at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. An early example of the first type of platform scale that revolutionised the weighing of goods throughout the world made in the USA around the turn of the 19th century. Commercially built platform scale on wheels. Cast iron base supports iron weighing platform with wooden floor. At back, square hollow wooden post supports a hooded rod which bears the weight of the platform and which hooks onto a brass balancing arm, marked in pounds up to 50. There is a cylindrical sliding weight and on the end a loop for a metal weight holder. The holder is designed for three circular pieces of metal with a slit to the centre. The weights used are 50, 100 and 200 lbs.Embossed to base Fairbanks Patent No 11 1/2, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, platform scales -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Scales Weighing Spring, mid to late 1900's
This type of mobile spring weighing scales were in high use before legislative Weights and Measure standards where in force throughout Australia. This was in a time when a "mans word and handshake" was his legal document. It was a time, especially in rural areas that the term "she'll be right" was extensively used and these types of scales (the accuracy over time) would produce a near "enough is good enough" measure. These scales are very significant for the rural produce within the Kiewa Valley. Rural produce such as hay milk and butter tubs,tobacco bundles could be easily weighed (in relatively smaller packages) for both markets and for use within the valley.This spring scale (!/2 Once to 4lb) was used as general weight scale. Because it is spring loaded the accuracy would fade over time and by over weighted loads. The spring enclosure is made from cast iron painter black. There is an iron ring at the top (attaching/holding) and an iron hook at the bottom (holding). There is a brass front plate with engraved markings(on the left side) running from top to bottom and a movable pin weight indicator running in the middle indicating the weight of the item being weighed.At the front top"SALTER'S SPRING BALANCE 4LB BY 21/2 OZ" underneath "No 1A" At the bottom in smaller print "MADE IN ENGLAND PATENT"weighing instruments, spring balances -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Scales Balance Pocket, Circa 1900
... weight type scales. Commerce in rural production e.g. fruit ...Historically this item would have been used by gold miners, rabbit shooters, mobile "Rag and Bone" traders and other mobile(in caravans and/or horse drawn cart) traders of various small goods and haberdashery. Although marked as not to be used as trade, the isolation and sometimes difficult terrain rules out using larger and more delicate scales. In the early 1900s rough roads and severe weather conditions forced traders to be more flexible in trading with weights and measures. The "close enough is good enough" doctrine was the Australian outback rule of thumb. The significance of this item in the Kiewa Valley during this period demonstrates the slower acceptance of accurate trading measure using the country side principle "my hand shake is my bond". In the Kiewa Valley small quantity commercial undertakings e.g. gold mining, fur pelts and rabbit meat trade did not require bulk weight type scales. Commerce in rural production e.g. fruit and vegetables involved more farmers and their staff in a barter and/or "in kind" payments. This was more so in the depression years 1929 to late 1930s. Self sufficiency was to a large extent more attainable in this region than in the city/ large country town environment. The Australian "fair go" ethical approach to life and commerce was very much ingrained in those living in country regions, like Kiewa Valley as is demonstrated by the not so accurate hand balance, spring loaded scales. Portable Pocket Balance with front plate made from brass. Spring mechanism enclosed by black painted medium gauge steel cover( three quarters cylindrical). Front scale face and rear spring casing fastened by three rivets. Spring loaded marker blade is located in the centre of the front plate. See item KVHS 0224 for a similar scales.Front plate marked: at top "Not legal for use in trade", below this in larger print "Pocket Balance", under and to the right in smaller print "lbs" under this graded marks, first marked with a Zero, then every second mark in ascending order up to 25. At the bottom of the front plate is marked "Made in Germany"antique pocket balance, scales, mobile weights, vintage appliances -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Scales Weighing Pocket, circa early 1900s
... "THE BILLY BALANCE" and at the bottom "MADE IN GERMANY" Historically ...Historically this item would have been used by gold miners, rabbit shooters, mobile "Rag and Bone" traders and other mobile(in caravans and/or horse drawn cart) traders of various small goods and haberdashery. Although marked as not to be used as trade, the isolation and sometimes difficult terrain rules out using larger and more delicate scales. In the early 1900s rough roads and severe weather conditions forced traders to be more flexible in trading with weights and measures. The "close enough is good enough" doctrine was the Australian outback rule of thumb.The significance of this item in the Kiewa Valley during this period demonstrates the slower acceptance of accurate trading measure using the country side principle "my hand shake is my bond". In the Kiewa Valley small quantity commercial undertakings e.g. gold mining, fur pelts and rabbit meat trade did not require bulk weight type scales. Commerce in rural production e.g. fruit and vegetables involved more farmers and their staff in a barter and/or "in kind" payments. This was more so in the depression years 1929 to late 1930s. Self sufficiency was to a large extent more attainable in this region than in the city/ large country town environment. The Australian "fair go" ethical approach to life and commerce was very much ingrained in those living in country regions, like Kiewa Valley as is demonstrated by the not so accurate hand balance, spring loaded scales.This brass "faced" portable Pocket Balance ( Fish Scales) has front plate made from thin pressed brass. The mild steel spring mechanism enclosed by black painted medium gauge steel cover( three quarters cylindrical). Front scale face and rear spring casing fastened by three rivets. Spring loaded marker blade is located in the centre of the front plate. A steel " finger holder" ring is attached at the top of the scale unit from one of two pre drilled holes. The top is for holding the scale upright and the bottom for a hook to dangle the item to be weighed from the bottom. See item KVHS 0223 for similar scales"THE BILLY BALANCE" and at the bottom "MADE IN GERMANY"antique pocket balance, scales, mobile weights, vintage appliances -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Scales - Medical
The scales were used either at the Tawonga District Hospital or Mt Beauty Medical Centre for weighing a child or small person when standing on the platform. Weights were moved along a rod to balance the person to determine his/her weight.These manual scales were used by doctors to weigh and measure the heights of young patients in the Kiewa Valley and were a necessary piece of equipment to check the health of their patients.Cream metal with height in inches measuring steel rod attached to cylinder. At the top of the cylinder it is hollow for the working of a horizontal scale which has a metal measuring ruler (7 inches) at the end of which is a thin rod hooked on with a round disc at the bottom. At floor level is a platform on a spring on which a child can stand. The stand is surrounded on 3 sides with a thin frame to prevent falling off. The height scale has a thin stainless steel arm with a round plate attached to put on top of the child's head for measuring height."Melbourne Scale 60"scales. mt beauty medical centre. tawonga district hospital. weighing people. medical equipment -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Scales, "Circa 1863"
This set of scales would have been used to check the acuracy of Weights and Measures.Where it was used is unknown, but it may have always been part of the Shire.The maker was J.D.Potter,Poultry,London Middlesex,U.K. One of several sets of scales of various sizes in collection of Learmonth And District Historical Society Inc.To measure precise weights,the instruments used were a set of precise balanced scales. Set on a wooden box,( which would have contained the weights).It is made of brass and has a brass beam balance,steel pointer with index and twin pans. Date 25/1/1865.Various hallmarks similar to "jewellers".tools, and, scales, weights, measures, potter london, measuring devices -
Cheese World Museum
Scales, Kitchen scales
The Percy Uebergang family lived at Tooram Park, Allansford from 1912 until 1992. The scales were part of the collection of kitchen items given into the care of the Cheese World Museum.Heavy silver-coloured cast iron balance scales with an 8-sided tray to hold the weights, and a 4-armed cradle to hold the tin ingredient tray. The scooped ingredient tray has folded edges.TO WEIGH 14lb (on base: Uebergang No.F16)domestic items, food preparation, allansford, uebergang, kitchen scales -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Scales, Circa 19th Century
These scales were possibly used by the former Shire of Ballarat to weigh letters and other small items.A means by which articles of the day were weighed.Medium size set of scales,Brass weighing pans on a beam balance with pointer.The base is wood with inserts to hold weights.niltools.scales.measuring device. weights and measures -
Orbost & District Historical Society
sovereign balance
This simple brass see-saw balance was used to test the gold sovereign coin and its half for wear, and to detect counterfeit coinsSovereigns and half sovereigns are no longer in use.A metal sovereign balance with two measuring plates and weight. Counterweighted desktop rocker tests for British gold Sovereigns and Half Sovereigns, both weight and thickness. It has the original green box with label on lid top.Front - sovereign - half - Askey's improved warranted - son -Bush'ssovereign-balance instrument weighing sovereign -
The Cyril Kett Optometry Museum
Tonometer, J J Winters, 01/04/1969
This instrument was manufactured in 1969 to a design developed in 1905. It was used in private practice in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. It was donated to the Optometry museum in August 2000. The instrument's inventor, Hjalmar August Schioetz (1850-1927) was born in Stavanger, Norway. He graduated in Medicine in 1877 in Kristiania. He studied ophthalmology in Vienna and in Paris. He was appointed professor of medicine with the obligation of teaching eye medicine in Kristiania in 1901. He demonstrated his tonometer in 1905 and for the next half century it was generally accepted as a reliable means of measuring intraocular pressure.Many examples of Schiotz tonometers can be found in near-mint condition as they were superseded in the latter half of the twentieth century. Although this example is in fine condition it is not historically significantCased stainless steel instrument to measure intra-ocular pressure. Grey leatherette case lined with grey satin and felt. Case contains stainless steel spring balance tonometer, convex test block and two calibration weights. Slipped within upper lining of case are a yellow card of instructions and a greencertificate of accuracy.Case cover imprinted "Schioetz-Tonometer Improved". Tonometer engraved "6988" and logo of "JJW". One weight engraved "7,5", other "10"tonometer schiotz pressure optometry ophthalmology -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Scales, Nullawarre PO tray & 6 weights, Early 20th century
These scales come from the Nullawarre Post Office. Nullawarre is a small settlement 25 kilometres south east of Warrnambool. The area was settled in the late 1860s and 1870s and the first school was opened in 1878. The main agricultural pursuit in the Nullawarre district is dairying. The Nullawarre Post Office still operates in the General Store building. This set of scales is of interest as it is a memento of the equipment used in country Post Offices one hundred years ago or more. Scales such as these may still be in use but electronically-operated scales are more likely to be used today.This is a set of metal weighing scales with two trays, one oval in shape and one round, on a balancing mechanism. This mechanism has two ornamental upright metal pieces. The scales are affixed to a wooden base in a rectangular shape with the front edge shaped into two curves. The wooden base has three slots for holding the weights. There are six brass weights with this item. The metal is a little tarnished and the wooden base is stained. nullawarre, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Scales, W. & T. Avery Ltd. Mill Lane Works, Nullawarre PO & tray + 2 weights, Early 20th century
These scales come from the Nullawarre Post Office and would have been used there for most of the 20th century. Nullawarre is a small settlement 25 kilometres south east of Warrnambool. It was first settled in the late 1860s and 70s and the main agricultural pursuit for the area today is dairying. The first Nullawarre school was opened in 1878 and the Nullawarre Post Office operates today in the Nullawarre General Store. These scales are of interest as a memento of the type of weighing scales used in Post Offices in Victoria in the early to mid 20th century. They are also of local interest as they come from the Nullawarre Post Office.This is a metal set of scales with a balance mechanism on a metal stand. The balance has a circular tray at one end to hold weights An oval dish to hold items to be weighed is a separate item that sits at the other end of the balance. The scales were once painted green and some traces of the green paint are visible. Two weights are with this item. The scales are much rusted. ‘W & T Avery Ltd Birm.’nullawarre, victoria, history of warrnambool -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Scales, Nullawarre Post Office
These scales came from the Nullawarre Post Office, Nullawarre being approximately 25 ks East of Warrnambool. It is a small centre for the local farming community and has some services including a store, school and hall. The Post Office has closed in more recent times and these scales are one of a number of items which came to the WDHS on its closure including a brass fire extinguisher and a 1969 telephone book. Charles Williams was a postmaster at one time and Vida Williams was post mistress. These scales are an interesting and common item with a strong connection to a local community area.These scales have a cast metal frame with a circular base and a circular vertical section which frames a brass measurement circular plate which is marked in increments up to 11 lbs and held in place with two screws. There is a rectangular metal plate at the top on which the item to be weighed would be placed. The item is quite heavy in weight.On the brass plate,: POSTAL PARCEL BALANCE SALTER'S. NO. 25 BRITISH MADE.11 LB x 1/2 OZ. Underneath this is the Salter logo.warrnambool, nullawarre post office, charles williams, vida williams