The seven weights (0008.4 and 0136.3) are circular in shape with a hole in the centre and a groove cut across the radius. They were specifically designed to fit into a weight tube, which allowed movement of the weights that were used for driving the clockwork mechanism for turning the lighthouse lens. They are most likely original to the Chance Brothers system installed in 1913, which was originally equipped with a set of ten, each weighing around thirty kilograms.The weights were moved vertically in similar fashion to the way weights move on a grandfather clock. As the weight fell, the optic clock was driven and the lens was turned. To keep the clock turning, the weight needed to be wound back up to the top of its travel. Lighthouse keepers had to constantly wind the clock to keep the light active, and at least two keepers needed to observe a strict roster of hours. When electric motors were invented, weights became obsolete and the motors were able to turn the optic for as long as there was power to drive them. Wilsons Promontory’s Chance Bros. kerosene operated light, which was turned by a clockwork mechanism, was replaced by small electric motor in 1975, reducing the number of keepers and eliminating the need for weights. Cape Schanck has a set of fourteen weights remaining in situ in the lighthouse weight tube as well as another four detached weights, two of which may be associated with the 1859 mechanism. A small number of detached cast iron weights and two associated rods remain at the Point Hicks Lightstation and one weight is displayed in the lantern room at Cape Otway.The Wilson Promontory weights have first level contributory significance for the insights they provide into the technology and operations of a late nineteenth/early twentieth century lighthouse which has since been superseded. They are well provenanced and are significant for their historical value as part of the lightstation’s Chance Brothers optical system installed in 1913.Four circular disc shaped lead weights, all with a narrow section cut out to the middle of shape. (as in slice of cake)

The rectangular weight is rectangular in shape and made of concrete and metal. A closed metal hook is attached to the concrete block, which is encased in metal, and a section of rope is attached. It was used as a counter weight on a canopy that operated as part of a winch located at the [east] landing deck … Originally there were four weights that formed part of a fibreglass canopy which consisted of a staunch, pulley and a rope so when you lifted the canopy up, the weights on either side countered the weight so objects could be moved. The weights were installed in the 1970s and were dismantled along with the winch in the following decade.The weight has first level contributory significance for its provenance and historical value as a component of an earlier apparatus that was used for hoisting goods at the lightstation sea landing.2 x Rectangular shaped weight with with closed hook embedded in concrete surrounded by metal. A section of rope is attached to the hook.

History of the Weights and Measures in Stawell from 1863 to 1991. The Physical Weights are on display in the MuseumLight Yellow paper cover with Victorian coat of arms and black print. with yellow tape on the spine.Victoria Coat of Arms VICTORIA The rest is undelined: A Brief History of Imperial Weights and Measures Equipment of Wimmera weights and Measures Union Donated to Stawell Historical Society Inc. by Former Shire of Stawell 26 July 1991stawell

Box of assorted weights.They range from 1/10 of a pound to 2 pounds. Made from differing metals.8 x weights of various size - 2lb (pound) to 1/10 of a poundWeight on each item "W & T AVERY LTD BIRM" on 8 oz 'GRAVE FOUNDRY Co" on 2 oztroy weight, imperial weight, grave foundry, w t avery ltd, birmingham

Large platform scales such as these ones made by W. & T. Avery were used for weighing goods for trading and passengers' luggage. They would be used in places such as railway stations, shipping ports, customs offices and ticketing offices. Often fees would be charged to customers according to the weight of their goods and luggage. Items would be placed onto the large horizontal platform then weights would be added to the weighing bar until the bar leveled to being horizontal. The weights would be added together and the total of the weights would be used for the final figure. These scales were made in Birmingham, England, by the British company, W and T Avery. The company had its origins in the early 1700s but only became known as W and T Avery when the brothers William and Thomas Avery inherited the scale-making business from a relative, Joseph Balden, on his death in 1813. By 1885 they had three factories and In 1895, the company acquired James Watt & Co and two years later had moved to the 25-acre Soho Foundry site in Smethwick, Birmingham where James Watt had manufactured steam engines. When the last Avery family member died in 1918, the company employed over 3,000 people and had businesses all over the world. Following the highly successful introduction of the first digital retail scale in 1971, the company was taken over by the GEC Group in 1979. The business was subsequently acquired by the American company, Weigh-Tronix, in 2000 which had already acquired a competitor, Salter. The Avery name continues today in the company known as Avery Weigh-Tronix.An item that was used at the turn of the century as train platform scales or for weighing agricultural products. Made by a company that pioneered weighing equipment with offices all over the world. With many examples of this scale in museums throughout the world. Platform scales with wheels. Large cast iron, scales painted black, weight capacity to 7 CWT (hundred weight). Weight beam has markers "0. 5. 10. 15. 20. 25". Platform scale loose weight type with relieving handle; cast iron construction, fluted columns with integral weight stand, the two wheels are fitted to base at front of platform; there is a graduated steelyard 0-14bs with pear-shaped poise. Weight carrier is missing.Pressed into cast iron arm on scale, one side "W. & T. AVERY", opposite side "BIRMINGHAM", and into the platform "TO WEIGH 7 CWT, W. & T. AVERY, MAKERS, LONDON & BIRMINGHAM" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, measuring scales, weighing scales, weighing instrument, fees for goods, fees for luggage, ticket office

A six piece set of cast iron weights, associated with the Wertheim "Preciosa" knitting machine.A six piece set of cast iron weights, associated with the Wertheim "Preciosa" knitting machine.knitting, jepson, mr keith

The green holder for the weights was hand made by cutting recesses out of a single piece of wood. The wood was painted green. Between 1960 and 1988 Australia gradually adopted the SI units (Standard International) or metric units. In 1970 the Australian parliament passed the metric conversion act, and the Australian building trades made it the standard in 1974. This information helps to date the set of weights to C. 1970s.These weights have local and social significance to indicate the weights used in many homes or small businesses in the 1970s.Set of 5 small metric weights in wooden holder. Measurements are difficult to decipher but "Gram" can be identified around the edge of some weights. Holder has been created by cutting round recesses into a block of wood.metric system, weights and measures australia

Sets of scales similar to these were very common in households throughout Australia. Between 1960 and 1988 Australia gradually adopted the SI units (Standard International) or metric units. In 1970 the Australian parliament passed the metric conversion act, and the Australian building trades made it the standard in 1974. This information helps to date the set of weights to before the1970s.Domestic scales such as these were common throughout Australian homes. They are now primarily superceded by plastic items, often electronic. Metal table scales with imperial weights weights and measures australia, table scales, domestic appliances

A three piece set of cast iron weights, associated with the "Beehive" manual benchtop Sock Knitter.A three piece set of cast iron weights, associated with the "Beehive" manual benchtop Sock Knitter.knitting textile machinery machine knitting, hosiery, knitting, textile machinery, machine knitting

A lead weight, with an iron suspension hook attached to the top end. Associated with the "Beehive Sock Knitter"A lead weight, with an iron suspension hook attached to the top end. Associated with the "Beehive Sock Knitter".knitting textile machinery machine knitting, hosiery, knitting, textile machinery, machine knitting

A lead weight, with an iron suspension hook attached to the top end. Associated with the "Beehive Sock Knitter"A lead weight, with an iron suspension hook attached to the top end. Associated with the "Beehive Sock Knitter".knitting textile machinery machine knitting, hosiery, knitting, textile machinery, machine knitting

A lead weight, with an iron suspension hook attached to the top end. Associated with the "Beehive Sock Knitter"A lead weight, with an iron suspension hook attached to the top end. Associated with the "Beehive Sock Knitter".knitting textile machinery machine knitting, hosiery, knitting, textile machinery, machine knitting

A lead weight, with an iron suspension hook attached to the top end. Associated with the "Beehive Sock Knitter"A lead weight, with an iron suspension hook attached to the top end. Associated with the "Beehive Sock Knitter".knitting textile machinery machine knitting, hosiery, knitting, textile machinery, machine knitting

Metal weight either used on the clipper "Lightning" or made later to commemorate its burning in 1869.Metal weight either used on the clipper "Lightning" or made later to commemorate its burning in 1869.LIGHTNING 1869corio bay, victoria

Used as a weight to measure goods in a store prior to the introduction of packaging.Imperial weight used to weigh goods prior to packaging.Cast iron solid bell shaped weight with a handle at the narrow end at the top. There is a large one and smaller one.Large one has 7 lb inscribed on the handle.weights. shop. store. scales.

Used to weigh bulk produce in the Tawonga Store. Part of a platform scale.Historical: Imperial weights used before packaging of goods. Tawonga Store opened c1920 selling produce for the farming community of the Kiewa Valley.5 circular cast iron weights with a slot from the edge towards the centre. Each has a ridge around the circumference to enable each to fit on top of a bigger one. On the top, above the slot, the weight is embossed. The set is held together with a piece of wire about 50 cm long. The set fit on to a holder which has a circular hook for hanging and a long straight cast iron rod going through a solid half sphere which is held with a nut at the base. The half sphere has a wider circular base for weights to sit on. Used with scales (KVHS 0800 (B)) to weigh goods sold at Tawonga Store.Weights: 14 lbs; 28 lbs; 56 lbs; 1 cwt; 2 cwt.weights. scales. shop. store. tawonga store.

Letter Scales used in Post Offices.OldBrass balance letter scales, mounted on wooden base, with 5 individual round brass weights, stamped in oz's.No visible inscriptions on scales, but has oz's stamped on weights. Has a piece of paper attached to wooden base with letter prices.scales, letter scales, post office scales, antique scales, weights, brass weights, brass scales, old scales.

This Sike’s Hydrometer was donated by the Port Fairy Customs Office as it was no longer required by them due to a change in the law. The hydrometer was part of a system for Ullaging or calculating the amount of liquid remaining in a container of liquor such as a barrel, and the amount of alcoholic content in the contents. It can also measure the free space or head space remaining. Hydrometers were used to measure the density, or relative density, of liquids from the late 1600s. In 1816 Bartholomew Sikes won the competition for the most useful accurate hydrometer. Hydrometers were commonly used by distillers, vintners, and brewers to establish accurate measures of alcohol concentration in their beverages. Following this manufacturing process, government inspectors and excise officers used them to check that the labelled indications of alcohol-proof were correct and that the right amounts of duty were being paid.The Sikes hydrometer is of local significance because of its association with the Government's Customs Office in Port Fairy, in the southwest region of Victoria. It is also associated with Bartholomew Sikes, whose design of a hydrometer was chosen in 1816 as being the most useful and accurate hydrometer. The hydrometer has evolved into the digital version available today to measure density of liquids.Sikes Hydrometer and thermometer in a fitted wooden case with crimson lining inside the lid and dark lining in the base. The case has ten vertical pegs to secure the weights. The brass hydrometer has a spherical float and eight thick brass horseshoe-shaped weights. The serial number is on each section of the float and all weights. Both sides of the float’s upper flat stem have a scale from 0-10, with five divisions between each number. The eight weights are numbered from 20 – 90 in increments of 10. The set includes a mercury thermometer mounted on an ivory back plate labelled with Fahrenheit and Centigrade Scales. The Sikes hydrometer set was made by Loftus of London. The hydrometer model is IID 510, Serial Number is 14674, calibrated by Longs, London. All parts of the float and eight weights are inscribed with Serial Number “14674” The float stem is stamped "SIKE'S IID 51o” Calibrator, "LONG LITTLE TOWER ST LONDON" The weights are numbered individually ”20”, “30”, “40”, “50”, “60”, “70”, “80” or “90” Each weight in inscribed; symbol “(J L) [inside an ova, with textured background]” The thermometer inscribed: “LOFTUS OF LONDON”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, measuring instruments, customs tax, weighing instrument, sike’s hydrometer, calibrator long of london, loftus of london instrument maker, loftus, j long, sikes hydrometer, scientific instrument, pressure measurement, measuring instrument, ullage tool, customs, excise duty, tax, alcohol content, proof, calibrate, standard weights and measures, tariff, scientific instrument makers, specific gravity, liquid density, alcohol testing, technology, alcohol measurement, proof spirit, wine and spirits merchants, local business, brass measuring instrument, port fairy, customs office, port fairy customs, joseph long, instrument maker

No information is available on the history of these six examples of pennyweights. A pennyweight was a unit of mass that was equal in weight to 20 grains, one twentieth of an ounce and one 240th of a Troy pound. The abbreviation for a pennyweight is ‘dwt’ (denarius weight). Pennyweights were and are used in the weighing of precious metals and are still used by dentists in the measurement of the metal used in dental crowns etc. These items are of antiquarian interest and will be useful for displays. These are six pennyweights of varying weights – 5 pennyweights, 4, 3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6. They appear to be made of brass and the 5, 4 and 3 pennyweights are rounded off rectangles in shape with eight sides. The three smaller weights are rectangular in shape with nipped-off edges. ‘5 dwts’, ‘4 dwts’, ‘3 dwts’ In black labelling, ‘1499.10, 1499.11, 1499.12’ (old cataloguing numbers) pennyweights, warrnambool, denarius weight

The set of seven imperial weights were used in the Post Office in Wodonga. The first Post Office in Wodonga opened on the 6th June 1856, and a second Post Office was built in 1874 on the corner of Sydney Road which became High St. and South St. In 1878 there were three staff at the Wodonga Post Office, including the Postmaster/Telegraph Manager and two Office-Keepers/Messengers. The mail service in 1878 included delivery four times a day from the Railway Station to the Post Office in Wodonga, and to and from the Wodonga Post Office to Albury twice a day.The set of seven imperial weights has local and state significance as it was used in the Wodonga Post Office in North East Victoria before decimal currency was introduced in Australia in 1966. The weights also have national significance as examples of the equipment used in post offices in Australia pre 1966.Set of seven cast iron and lead weights with imperial measurements '4 oz, 8oz, 1 lb, 2 lb, 3 lb, 4 lb, and 7 lb' The exterior circular black painted cast iron encases the heavy inner grey lead component, which is visible from the underside. "4 oz.", "8 / oz.", 1 lb.", "1 lb.", "2 lb.", "3 lb.", 4 lb.", MERCURY / 7 LB." on the top of the weights in raised numbers and letters.wodonga post office, post office, victoria post offices, wodonga, north eastern victoria post offices, victorian mail service

The nested cup weights were designed to make the transport of weights, essential items in most commercial transactions, more convenient. This idea goes back to Roman times. In the nested cup form, a series of weights shaped into cups are set one into the other. Each cup fits precisely into the next, larger sized cup which each larger example weighing exactly twice that of the one previous. The Troy weight system was used for precious metals and gemstones.7 x Brass troy measures of various sizes. Fine groove lines near top edge and bottom 2 x Copper sliding weights - domed.1) 32 oz Troy around top .2) 16 oz Troy around top .3) VIII R around top. Maker's mark - lidded pot (coffee/tea?) with date 1826 .4) 8 oz around top .5) 6 oz Troy around top .6) 4 oz Troy .7) 2 oz Troy "WATERS" on top of sliders with "4" on under sidenested cups weights, troy weight, precious metals, gemstones, commercial transactions, sliding weights, domed weights

Williamstown formed as a Municipal Government in 1856 and applied to the Victorian Government for a set of standard weights that would ensure all businesses etc would weigh their goods correctly. They arrived in Williamstown and were used from 1860 until 1966 when decimalisation was established in Australia. TThese weights were the first of their kind to be acquired in Victoria.15 round brass Imperial standard weights in 3 timber cases, weights weighing 1/2oz to 56lbs. Numbers 1 to 11 with rounded knobs and largest 4 (12 to 15) with rounded handles. 12 smallest in timber case, next 2 weights in timber case & largest in timber case.13 have Potter London engraved, also stamped are various verification dates. weights, brass, imperial

Troy ounces are slightly heavier than avoirdupois ounces that we commonly use. 1 troy ounce equals roughly 1 1/8 ounces and is used for the weighing of precious metals and gems. It is believed that the troy ounce dates back to the 16th century to the town of Troyes in Frances. This was a major trading centre for Europe and a standardised for of weights was needed. One troy ounce equalled 480 grains of barley.Two Sets of Troy weights all circular and tapering to the bottom plus two individual weights - 1oz. One Complete set of Troy weights round in shape and tapering to bottom with six inner weights imprinted with 6oz, 4oz, 2oz, 1oz and nothing on two inner smaller ones.2nd set is incomplete with three inner crucibles next size is missing and then smallest size 6oz 4oz 2oz 1oz . Two individual weights 1oz.gold mining, gold mining crucibles, gold mining equipment, gold smelting

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

The basic balance scale has been around for thousands of years and its accuracy has improved dramatically over the last several centuries, the principle behind this tool remains unchanged. Its parts include a fulcrum, a beam that balances on it, a pan at the end of the beam to hold the materials to be weighed, and a flat platform at the other for the counter-balancing weights. Balance scales that require equal weights on each side of the fulcrum have been used by everyone from apothecaries and assayers to jewellers and postal workers. Known as an unequal arm balance scale, this variety builds the counterweight into the device. Counter scales used in dry-goods stores and domestic kitchens often featured Japanned or (blackened) cast iron with bronze trims. Made by companies such as Howe and Fairbanks, the footed tin pans of these scales were often oblong, some encircled at one end so bulk items could be easily poured into a bag. Seamless pans were typically stamped from brass and given style names like Snuff (the smallest) and Birmingham (the largest). Some counter scales were designed for measuring spices, others for weighing slices of cake. In the 18th century, spring scales began to appear and would use the resistance of spring to calculate weights, which are read automatically on the scale’s face. The ease of use of spring scales over balance 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 vintage kitchen scales used the weight of goods in a pan at the top of the scale to force the spring down rather than the balance system. Such scales were common in early 20th century households and were sold by many companies. Many had flat weighing surfaces but some were topped by shallow pans. Companies such as Salters, Chatillon, and Fairbanks were the most popular brands used. These scales are significant as they identify one of the basic preparation items for the weighing of foodstuff in the family kitchen to prepare everyday meals. This item is significant as it gives a snapshot into domestic life within the average home in Australia around the turn of the twentieth century and is, therefore, an item with social relevance. Black cast iron, medium weighing scales, with a fulcrum which the beam that balances on, there is as scoop at one end for the material to be weighted and a flat circular disc at the other end that holds the weights. Around the cast iron base is an embossed leaf pattern. All the weights have their weight embossed within the casting.There are 5 weights, marked 2 oz, 4 oz,8 oz,1 lb,2 lb, This scale does not have any visual markings on the arms to identify a maker or true balance. It is therefore assumed that these scales were made for domestic use only.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, spring scale, scale

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

A weight made in England by W&T Avery a British manufacturer of weights and weighing machines. The company was founded in the early 18th century and took the name W & T Avery in 1818. The undocumented origin of the company goes back to 1730 when James Ford established the business in the town of Digbeth. On Joseph Balden, the then company’s owner’s death in 1813 William and Thomas Avery took over his scale making business and in 1818 renamed it W & T Avery. The business rapidly expanded and in 1885 they owned three factories: the Atlas Works in West Bromwich, the Mill Lane Works in Birmingham and the Moat Lane Works in Digbeth. In 1891 the business became a limited company with a board of directors and in 1894 the shares were quoted on the London Stock Exchange. In 1895 the company bought the legendary Soho Foundry in Smethwick, a former steam engine factory owned by James Watt & Co. In 1897 the move was complete and the steam engine business was gradually converted to pure manufacture of weighing machines. The turn of the century was marked by managing director William Hipkins who was determined to broadening the renown of the Avery brand and transforming the business into specialist manufacture of weighing machines. By 1914 the company occupied an area of 32,000m² and had some 3000 employees. In the inter-war period, the growth continued with the addition of specialized shops for cast parts, enamel paints and weighbridge assembly and the product range diversified into counting machines, testing machines, automatic packing machines and petrol pumps. During the second world war, the company also produced various types of heavy guns. At that time the site underwent severe damage from parachute mines and incendiary bombs. Then from 1931 to 1973, the company occupied the 18th-century Middlesex Sessions House in Clerkenwell as its headquarters. Changes in weighing machine technology after World War II led to the closure of the foundry, the introduction of electronic weighing with the simultaneous gradual disappearance of purely mechanical devices. The continued expansion was partly achieved through a series of acquisitions of other companies. After almost a century of national and international expansion, the company was taken over by GEC in 1979. Keith Hodgkinson, managing director at the time, completed the turn-around from mechanical to electronic weighing with a complete overhaul of the product range of retail sales of industrial platform scales. In 1993 GEC took over the Dutch-based company Berkel and the Avery-Berkel name was introduced. In 2000 the business was in turn acquired by the US-American company Weigh-Tronix, who already owned Salter, and is today operating as Avery Weigh-Tronix. An item used used by grocers and merchants to weigh store bought goods around the 1950s. This item gives an insight into social history of the time.Weights, metal, silver electroplated, 1 x 2lb, 2 x 4lb, 1 x 7lb. (4) all government stamped, made by Avery Ltd.Noneflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, weight, imperial weight, imperial standard weights and measures, imperial standard weight

Weight was used on platform type scale to weigh farm produceImperial weights were used prior to 1966 when decimal currency was introduced. Weights were used in stores selling farm produce prior to packaging.Cast iron weight with a solid base the upper side curved to form two ends which are joined by a cylindrical handle. The ends are embossed on the top.W & T Avery 14 lbweights. scale. farms produce. w & t avery.