Showing 62 items
matching measuring device
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Tennis Australia
Measuring device, Circa 1900
... Measuring device..., Ink Measuring device ...Cotton lawn tennis tape measure in a circular brown leather case, with metal winding arm. Surface of case has label outining the correct measurements for laying out a lawn tennis court. Materials: Cotton, Metal, Leather, Paper, Inktennis -
Tennis Australia
Measuring device, Circa 1910
... Measuring device... composite, Cloth tape Measuring device ...A 'Lawn Tennis Measure' retractable tape in circular brass housing. Brass winding handle attached to centre of housing. Housing engraved with instructions and measurements for a standard lawn tennis court. Materials: Brass/Metal composite, Cloth tapetennis -
Vision Australia
Photograph (item) - Image, Royal National Institute for the Blind, Liquid measure
... Glass bottle with attached phallic shaped measuring device...Image of glass bottle with cork stopper holding measuring... Glass bottle with attached phallic shaped measuring device ...Glass bottle with attached phallic shaped measuring device. Attached label to the bottle states that this was used by a physiotherapist and provides a reference for the bottle: RNIB 9448. The Royal National Institute for the Blind did sell materials around the world, and this item could have been ordered from them. royal victorian institute for the blind, equipment -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Mariner's astrolabe, Late 20th century
... Measuring device... is a measuring device once used to navigate the seas by observing the sun.... An astrolabe is a measuring device once used to navigate the seas ...This representative example demonstrates a mariner’s astrolabe. Historical examples are rare. There are less than one hundred known to exist and most of these have been recovered from shipwrecks, many from Spanish and Portuguese vessels. An astrolabe is a measuring device once used to navigate the seas by observing the sun and stars to measure their altitude. The measurement of altitude could then be used to calculate the ship’s latitude but at that time in history there was no means of measuring longitude. The body of the navigational astrolabe was cast brass and much heavier, and less complicated than the variety used on land. The heavier weight and cut-away shape reduced the effect of the wind and waves when trying to use it at sea. A mariner’s astrolabe or ‘star finder’ is a simplified version than that used by Arabic astronomers to find the altitude of the sun and stars above the horizon, and time of the sunrise and sunset. It is a forerunner to the quadrant, octant and sextant and was popular for about 200 years over the 1500s and 1600s to find the latitude of a ship at sea. The user held the astrolabe at eye level and, usually with assistance, aligned the stars through the two small sights (pinnules), then read the altitude indicated by the pointer on the arm. It could also be used to sight the sun by holding it lower down, aiming it at the sun, and adjusting it until the sun shone through both pinnules. This astrolabe is an example used to demonstrate the mariner’s astrolabe, which was navigational tool of the 1500s and 1600s, in the time before longitude was able to be determined. It is a forerunner to modern navigation technology. Mariner’s astrolabe – a representative example. A gold painted, disc shaped object with cut outs and revolving arm in centre. The arm has two sights attached at right angles. The top has a ring attached. Measurements are marked in degrees in a circular scale around outer edge.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, navigation instrument, navigation tool, navigation, astrolabe, mariner’s astrolabe, measure latitude, measure altitude, arabic navigation, measuring device, star finder, astronomy, marine tool, marine instrument -
Coal Creek Community Park & Museum
Steel measuring band
... 8648.1 - Rusty measuring device.... Korumburra gippsland 8648.1 - Rusty measuring device. Steel measuring ...8648.1 - Rusty measuring device. -
Coal Creek Community Park & Museum
Steel measuring band
... 8649.1 - Rusted measuring device.... Korumburra gippsland 8649.1 - Rusted measuring device. Steel ...8649.1 - Rusted measuring device. -
Coal Creek Community Park & Museum
Steel measuring band
... 8650.1 - Rusty measuring device.... Korumburra gippsland 8650.1 - Rusty measuring device. Steel measuring ...8650.1 - Rusty measuring device. -
Coal Creek Community Park & Museum
Gunter chain
... 8651.1 - Rusty measuring device.... Korumburra gippsland 8651.1 - Rusty measuring device. Gunter chain ...8651.1 - Rusty measuring device. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Glass Measuring Tube
... Measuring device...-Village Measuring device Measuring cylinder Glass Glass tube ...A graduated cylinder, also known as a measuring cylinder or mixing cylinder, is a common piece of laboratory equipment used to measure the volume of a liquid. It has a narrow cylindrical shape. Each marked line on the graduated cylinder represents the amount of liquid that has been measured. A traditional graduated cylinder is usually narrow and tall so as to increase the accuracy and precision of volume measurement. It has a plastic or glass base (stand, foot, support) and a "spout" for easy pouring of the measured liquid. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graduated_cylinder The glass measuring tube was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by the family of Doctor William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. ABOUT THE “W.R.ANGUS COLLECTION” Doctor William Roy Angus M.B., B.S., Adel., 1923, F.R.C.S. Edin.,1928 (also known as Dr Roy Angus) was born in Murrumbeena, Victoria in 1901 and lived until 1970. He qualified as a doctor in 1923 at University of Adelaide, was Resident Medical Officer at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1924 and for a period was house surgeon to Sir (then Mr.) Henry Simpson Newland. Dr Angus was briefly an Assistant to Dr Riddell of Kapunda, then commenced private practice at Curramulka, Yorke Peninsula, SA, where he was physician, surgeon and chemist. In 1926, he was appointed as new Medical Assistant to Dr Thomas Francis Ryan (T.F. Ryan, or Tom), in Nhill, Victoria, where his experiences included radiology and pharmacy. In 1927 he was Acting House Surgeon in Dr Tom Ryan’s absence. Dr Angus had become engaged to Gladys Forsyth and they decided he further his studies overseas in the UK in 1927. He studied at London University College Hospital and at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and in 1928, was awarded FRCS (Fellow from the Royal College of Surgeons), Edinburgh. He worked his passage back to Australia as a Ship’s Surgeon on the on the Australian Commonwealth Line’s T.S.S. Largs Bay. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1929, in Ballarat. (They went on to have one son (Graham 1932, born in SA) and two daughters (Helen (died 12/07/1996) and Berenice (Berry), both born at Mira, Nhill ) According to Berry, her mother Gladys made a lot of their clothes. She was very talented and did some lovely embroidery including lingerie for her trousseau and beautifully handmade baby clothes. Dr Angus was a ‘flying doctor’ for the A.I.M. (Australian Inland Ministry) Aerial Medical Service in 1928 . Its first station was in the remote town of Oodnadatta, where Dr Angus was stationed. He was locum tenens there on North-South Railway at 21 Mile Camp. He took up this ‘flying doctor’ position in response to a call from Dr John Flynn; the organisation was later known as the Flying Doctor Service, then the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A lot of his work during this time involved dental surgery also. Between 1928-1932 he was surgeon at the Curramulka Hospital, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. In 1933 Dr Angus returned to Nhill and purchased a share of the Nelson Street practice and Mira hospital (a 2 bed ward at the Nelson Street Practice) from Dr Les Middleton one of the Middleton Brothers, the current owners of what previously once Dr Tom Ryan’s practice. Dr Tom and his brother had worked as surgeons included eye surgery. Dr Tom Ryan performed many of his operations in the Mira private hospital on his premises. He had been House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1902-1926. Dr Tom Ryan had one of the only two pieces of radiology equipment in Victoria during his practicing years – The Royal Melbourne Hospital had the other one. Over the years Dr Tom Ryan had gradually set up what was effectively a training school for country general-practitioner-surgeons. Each patient was carefully examined, including using the X-ray machine, and any surgery was discussed and planned with Dr Ryan’s assistants several days in advance. Dr Angus gained experience in using the X-ray machine there during his time as assistant to Dr Ryan. When Dr Angus bought into the Nelson Street premises in Nhill he was also appointed as the Nhill Hospital’s Honorary House Surgeon 1933-1938. His practitioner’s plate from his Nhill surgery is now mounted on the doorway to the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. When Dr Angus took up practice in the Dr Edward and Dr Tom Ryan’s old premises he obtained their extensive collection of historical medical equipment and materials spanning 1884-1926. A large part of this collection is now on display at the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool. In 1939 Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool where he purchased “Birchwood,” the 1852 home and medical practice of Dr John Hunter Henderson, at 214 Koroit Street. (This property was sold in1965 to the State Government and is now the site of the Warrnambool Police Station. and an ALDI sore is on the land that was once their tennis court). The Angus family was able to afford gardeners, cooks and maids; their home was a popular place for visiting dignitaries to stay whilst visiting Warrnambool. Dr Angus had his own silk worm farm at home in a Mulberry tree. His young daughter used his centrifuge for spinning the silk. Dr Angus was appointed on a part-time basis as Port Medical Officer (Health Officer) in Warrnambool and held this position until the 1940’s when the government no longer required the service of a Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool; he was thus Warrnambool’s last serving Port Medical Officer. (Masters of immigrant ships arriving in port reported incidents of diseases, illness and death and the Port Medical Officer made a decision on whether the ship required Quarantine and for how long, in this way preventing contagious illness from spreading from new immigrants to the residents already in the colony.) Dr Angus was a member of the Australian Medical Association, for 35 years and surgeon at the Warrnambool Base Hospital 1939-1942, He served with the Australian Department of Defence as a Surgeon Captain during WWII 1942-45, in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W., completing his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. During his convalescence he carved an intricate and ‘most artistic’ chess set from the material that dentures were made from. He then studied ophthalmology at the Royal Melbourne Eye and Ear Hospital and created cosmetically superior artificial eyes by pioneering using the intrascleral cartilage. Angus received accolades from the Ophthalmological Society of Australasia for this work. He returned to Warrnambool to commence practice as an ophthalmologist, pioneering in artificial eye improvements. He was Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist to Warrnambool Base Hospital for 31 years. He made monthly visits to Portland as a visiting surgeon, to perform eye surgery. He represented the Victorian South-West subdivision of the Australian Medical Association as its secretary between 1949 and 1956 and as chairman from 1956 to 1958. In 1968 Dr Angus was elected member of Spain’s Barraquer Institute of Barcelona after his research work in Intrasclearal cartilage grafting, becoming one of the few Australian ophthalmologists to receive this honour, and in the following year presented his final paper on Living Intrasclearal Cartilage Implants at the Inaugural Meeting of the Australian College of Ophthalmologists in Melbourne In his personal life Dr Angus was a Presbyterian and treated Sunday as a Sabbath, a day of rest. He would visit 3 or 4 country patients on a Sunday, taking his children along ‘for the ride’ and to visit with him. Sunday evenings he would play the pianola and sing Scottish songs to his family. One of Dr Angus’ patients was Margaret MacKenzie, author of a book on local shipwrecks that she’d seen as an eye witness from the late 1880’s in Peterborough, Victoria. In the early 1950’s Dr Angus, painted a picture of a shipwreck for the cover jacket of Margaret’s book, Shipwrecks and More Shipwrecks. She was blind in later life and her daughter wrote the actual book for her. Dr Angus and his wife Gladys were very involved in Warrnambool’s society with a strong interest in civic affairs. He had an interest in people and the community They were both involved in the creation of Flagstaff Hill, including the layout of the gardens. After his death (28th March 1970) his family requested his practitioner’s plate, medical instruments and some personal belongings be displayed in the Port Medical Office surgery at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and be called the “W. R. Angus Collection”. The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The collection of medical instruments and other equipment is culturally significant, being an historical example of medicine from late 19th to mid-20th century. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery.Glass tube or cylinder with wide base and pouring lip. Measurements in ml and fl oz.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, measuring device, measuring cylinder, glass -
Coal Creek Community Park & Museum
Gunter chain
... 8652.1 - Slightly rusty chain measuring device.... Korumburra gippsland - JG 8652.1 - Slightly rusty chain measuring ...8652.1 - Slightly rusty chain measuring device.- JG -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Steelyard
... Steelyard - Measuring device for weighing carcasses... Mitcham melbourne trades butchering Steelyard - Measuring device ...Steelyard - Measuring device for weighing carcasses. Horizontal metal bar with one large hook on top and three below. Large ball at other end of rod.trades, butchering -
Victoria Police Museum
Photograph (police car)
... an Amphometer speed measuring device. St.Georges Rd North Fitzroy.... Circa 1967. Operating an Amphometer speed measuring device ...Holden van with two MTS police sitting on the tailgate in full uniform, including hats, coats, breeches, boots and recording instruments, presumably for speed. Circa 1967. Operating an Amphometer speed measuring device. St.Georges Rd North Fitzroypolice vehicles; motor transport branch; motor transport section; holden courtesy van -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Baby Scales, Artefact, 1940s
... is the scale mechanism with a metal measuring device. The item... this on top of the base is the scale mechanism with a metal measuring ...This set of baby scales is believed to have been used in a Baby Health Centre in Warrnambool. The first Baby Health Centre in Warrnambool was opened in Liebig Street in October 1921. It was initially run by Sister Riley. The development of Baby Health Centres in Victoria was largely due to the work of Dr Isabella Younger-Ross (1887-1956). She was born in Warrnambool to Henrietta and John Younger (the Younger department store operated in Liebig Street Warrnambool for over 60 years). Isabella Younger Ross studied medicine in Melbourne and Glasgow and she was a prominent worker in the field of maternal and infant welfare for over 40 years. These scales are retained as an example of the type of equipment used in baby health centres in the early to mid 20th century. It will be useful for display.This is a metal set of scales with a rectangular base tapering at one end. At the top is attached a metal receptacle for holding a baby and underneath this on top of the base is the scale mechanism with a metal measuring device. The item is painted yellow and green but the paint is well rusted and peeling in places. 15 lb.warrnambool baby health centres, dr isabella younger-ross -
City of Greater Bendigo - Civic Collection
Instrument - Gunter Chain, not known
... ) is a distance measuring device used for surveying. It was designed... measuring device used for surveying. It was designed and introduced ...Gunter's chain (also known as Gunter’s measurement) is a distance measuring device used for surveying. It was designed and introduced in 1620 by English clergyman and mathematician Edmund Gunter (1581–1626). It enabled plots of land to be accurately surveyed and plotted, for legal and commercial purposes. The provenance of this particular Gunter Chain is unknown but it is believed to be used either by the City of Bendigo / Sandhurst or the Lands Department locally when measuring and laying out plots and streets locally. A 66-foot (20.1 m) chain divided into 100 links, marked off into groups of 10 by brass rings or tags. Each link is 7.92 inches (201 mm) long. A quarter chain, or 25 links, measures 16 feet 6 inches (5.03 m) also called a a rod (or pole) measure. Ten chains measure a furlong and 80 chains measure a statute mile. city of greater bendigo surveying -
Melbourne Water
Compensating Polar Planimeter, c.1970s
... . This item was used by MMBW employees as a measuring device.... This item was used by MMBW employees as a measuring device ...As the Yarra became unsuitable as a source of water, several attempts were made to find alternative sources for the growing population of Melbourne. It was not until 1891 that the efforts to sewer Melbourne came to fruition with the setting up of the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW), now known as Melbourne Water. From 1891 until 1992, it was the responsibility of the MMBW to safeguard public health by providing a sewerage system and a safe water supply system. In 1992, The MMBW merged with a number of smaller urban water authorities to form Melbourne Water. This item was used by MMBW employees as a measuring device to determine areas or figures on a plane surface having either straight or irregular boundaries. The Compensating Polar Planimeter is of historical significance for its association with the former Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works (MMBW). This measuring device is perfectly intact and a rare surviving object of standard Board issued equipment. The kit is significant for its representativeness of the theme of Technology in building Victoria's industries and workforce, which continues to resonate strongly within Melbourne Water today.The instrument is inside a black metal case with accessories including: Setting bar, screwdriver, Allen key and spare pole point. Inside is also the adjustable planimeter. mmbw, melbourne water, melbourne metropolitan board of works, technology, instrument, work, measure, historic, water, staff -
Tennis Australia
Racquet & cover, Circa 1985
... ); and, a vinyl cover, featuring model name and measuring ruler device... and measuring ruler device along the length of cover (2). Racquet ...A two-piece object, comprising of: a Rayco 'Ruler' graphite tennis racquet, with a split shaft, and synthetic handle grip (1); and, a vinyl cover, featuring model name and measuring ruler device along the length of cover (2). Racquet is accompanied by a copper screw, sealed in a small transparent bag. Materials: Graphite, Synthetic material, Plastic, Ink, Paint, Adhesive tape, Nylon, Vinyl, Ink, Metaltennis -
Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History
Equipment - Sphygmograph, c. 1881 - 1901
... They sphygmograph was devised as an improved device... was devised as an improved device to measure blood pressure ...They sphygmograph was devised as an improved device to measure blood pressure, and was a marked improvement on the first machine of its type. The sphygmomanometer was considered cumbersome and the Dudgeon sphygmograph was smaller, and once placed into its box, could be carried in a pocket. The Dudgeon sphygmograph was introduced in 1881. It was strapped tot he wrist with a metal strip that moved a stylus. This transmitted a record of the pulse onto smoked paper, creating a record of blood pressure.The sphygmograph is housed in a purple-lined, leather bound case with a metal hinge and clasp located halfway up the case. It is constructed from chrome and comprises several moving parts including wires, knobs and handles. A black fabric strap with a metal attachment is also present, used to attach to the patient's wrist.blood pressure, dudgeon, pocket-sized, portable -
The Cyril Kett Optometry Museum
Prisoptometer, Geneva Optical Company, Dr Culbertson's Prisoptometer, 1886 (estimated); late 19th century
... This instrument is an optometer, that is, a device.... This instrument is an optometer, that is, a device to measure ...How widely the prisoptometer was used is unclear but the Standard Optical Company later patented a new model, The Standard Prisoptometer, on June 21, 1904. Edward Jackson's crossed cylinder technique of determining astigmatism was first detailed in the Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society (1887)4:595-598. The convenience of Jackson's crossed cylinder lenses over the prisoptometer in weight, cost, portability and reliability meant that they were soon almost universally adopted.This is a rare item as few are known world wide.This instrument is an optometer, that is, a device to measure the refractive error of an eye. It is made of cast iron, steel, brass and glass. It contains a prism which could be rotated, and was used to view a disc or an object circle. The prism caused monocular doubling of the object circle and the separation of the two images varied as the prism rotated, depending on the astigmatism present. The axis of the astigmatism was indicated by the prisoptometer and trial lenses were used to determine the the magnitude of the spherical and cylindrical refractive errorImprinted:"DR CULBERTSON'S PRISOPTOMETER/ GENEVA OPTICAL COMPANY MAKERS, GENEVA, N.Y./ PATENTED SEPT, 21, 1886". Stamped "853" on eyepiece and lens mounting.optometry, prisoptometer, optometer, astigmatism, refractive error, refraction, culbertson -
Melbourne Tram Museum
Document - Report, Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB), "Interim Report - Nicholson Street Safety Bars", 1978c, 1973
... also Reg Item 480? .2 - tram 912 fitted with a wooden device... with a wooden device to measure clearances - with a concrete safety zone ...Report and photographs of various mechanisms to identify and check clearances for Safety Zones on tramways. .1 - Report - 4 pages stapled in top left hand corner - titled "Interim Report - Nicholson Street Safety Bars", dated 20/6/1978 signed by R. G. Vanselow. Describes the work involved in providing a type of "jiggle bars" leading up to the safety zone. Many photographs of the various types of safety zone marks were included within the folder. The photos of 912 are related to the clearance testing carried out during 1973 for the Z class. See also Reg Item 480? .2 - tram 912 fitted with a wooden device to measure clearances - with a concrete safety zone being checked. .3 - tram 1040 in Bourke St with a Safety Zone sign on the left - King St? .4 - tram and traffic at the Bourke St terminus. .5 - not used. .6 - tram 1000 at ditto on a wet day .7 - as for .2 .8 - ditto .9 - ditto .10 - side on view of W2 447 with a concrete prow fitted with a set of flashing lights. .11 - to .15 - series of large prints of enlarged 35mm negatives of night testing of safety zone sign taken at South Melbourne Depot and in St Kilda Road. .16 Bourke St - looking west at Russell St? with caption "prow replacing type 2 (Hairpin sign) with both original (white) and new MCC (Yellow) line marking on approach". .17 - Bourke St - looking west at Kings St and caption "Prow replacing type 2 (Hairpin sign) with original line marking on approach. .16 and .17 taken on Polaroid Instamatic cameras.Some of the photos have captions written on the rear.trams, tramways, tram stops, bourke st, safety zone, testing, z class, safety, tram 912, tram 1040, tram 1000, tram 447 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Scale, Early 20th century
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 -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Clock, 1900's
In August 1884, Alfred Hirst who had started his trade as a watch repairer and was described as a watchmaker extraordinaire established Hirst Brothers and Company, on Union Street in Oldham Manchester. He took his two stepbrothers into the business and the company was set up to produce timepieces and jewellery as well as importing “Limit company” Swiss watches and precision machine tools for the watch and clock trade. By 1902 Hirst Brothers. had become a limited company and was still growing, adding other businesses in Manchester in 1904 and at Birmingham in 1907. The quality of the clocks and watches was such that Alfred Hirst realised his greatest ambition in 1912 with a range of watches which carried the "Limit" trademark. These watch movements had originally been made in Switzerland and shipped to Hirst Bros. to be put into British made “Dennison” cases. This trade brought even more growth with additional sales offices opening in London and Glasgow. At the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 found them manufacturing aircraft parts including revolution counters and optical instruments. The firm had been tasked by the Ministry of Munitions to solve the problem of pilots dropping bombs by hand and as a result, they effectively created the first bomb rack. After the war, the company once again began to prosper and with the demand for their products increasing they looked to build a new purpose-built factory to manufacture their products. In 1917 they purchased a seven-acre field site at Tame Side Dobcross, the designing of the new factory was passed onto local architect AJ Howcroft. His brief for the design of the clockworks would have been prompted by Alfred Hirst who having visited modern factories in the United States was inspired by the latest factory designs providing as much daylight as possible during working hours. The factory was eventually completed in 1920, by the mid-1920s there were cheap clock imports from Germany and production turned to radio sets and other components as well as counter and gas meters for the "Parkinson and Cowan" company who was later to take over the business. In 1926 came the cotton crash and the District Bank who had loans with the company foreclosed on the Hirst loan. The company did survive and throughout the second World, War II were involved in munitions work at the factory as well as making instruments for various aircraft. In the 1950’s they were producing meters and high grade measuring equipment but by the 1970's the business had closed and the factory was demolished in the mid-1980 "s The item is a good example of the later use of an early mechanism “Fusee” that was originally invented around 1525 in Prague. This type of clock mechanism was replaced as watchmakers looked for mechanisms that could reduce the size of clocks and watches, it appears England was the only country to continue making clocks with a Fusee device until around 1900,s of which our clock is an example. The use of a Fusee movement eventually became obsolete in 1970,s. The item is significant for the collection as it is a clock with a movement that has long since been made obsolete. Fusee type gallery wall clock made by Tame Side with an 8-day mechanical fusee movement. The white enamel dial is a little crazed and some of the Roman Numeral numbers are fading due to over-cleaning. The movement has a hexagonal iron pendulum bob hooking onto a pendulum rod with a spring-wound anchor escapement.Only mark is stamped on the movement believed to be a production number "13490" and made in Tame Side. (If the clock had been made after 1912 it would have had a trade mark "Limit")flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, clock, wall clock, fusee, gallery clock, alfred hirst, tame side -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Chain link measure, Gunter's Chain, 19th Century
... because it is an early land measuring device that was used ...A Gunter’s Chain, an old land surveying instrument, is named after its inventor, Edmund Gunter (1581-1626), an English mathematician and astronomer. It was first produced in 1620. The tool has 100 links and is 66 feet or one chain long. The links are marked off in groups of ten by metal tags or rings. A quarter chain (25 links) is called a rod or pole and ten chains make a furlong and 80 chains a mile. The traditional cricket pitch is 22 yards or one chain long. This chain is said to have been used by Gilbert Nicol when the Warrnambool to Hamilton Road was constructed in the 19th century. Gilbert Nicol was an early settler in Warrnambool who, with John Craig, established the first hotel (and the first building) in Warrnambool in 1847. Nicol later owned the property ‘Rosehill’ in the Warrnambool area. As the chain was given to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society by the Town Clerk, Keith Arnel, it is likely that the chain was one of the items in the old Warrnambool MuseumThis Gunter’s Chain is of importance because it is an early land measuring device that was used for over 250 years and has great historical and mathematical significance. If it is correct that it was used by Gilbert Nicol when the Warrnambool to Hamilton Road was built then it has considerable local significance and dates back to the 19th century. This is a metal tool which consists of 100 metal pieces or links joined together by loops at each end with two metal loops in between each link. The links joined together form a chain. The two ends of the chain have small metal handles attached. At intervals along the chain there are additional rings or metal pieces attached. The metal is very rusted.gunter’s chain, land measurement tools, history of warrnambool -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Implement, Opener, 1998, 2003
A clear plastic pack containing two implements which are a combination can opener, bottle opener and measuring spoon. These implements were included with standard field ration packs and are made of plated metal featuring a small hinged cutter attached to the main body. These were commonly called a Field Ration Opening Device (FRED) by defence personnel.The body is stamped with the standard Department of Defence symbol: "/|\" . -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Cambridge pH Meter, Cambridge Scientific Instrument Co. Ltd, 9-6-1946
This pH meter was made in 1946 by Cambridge Scientific Instrument Co. Ltd. in London. The company was founded in 1881 and the owner eventually became Horace Darwin, the youngest son of the famous scientist Charles Darwin. It is a portable version that can be used on-site in many different situations. A similar instrument was used by the Chemistry Department of what is now the University of Cambridge. The science of pH measurement began in the 1910s and was further developed in 1926. The pH meter is an electronic scientific instrument used to determine the pH measurements of a solution accurately; the amount of acid and alkaline in it This measurement can have many other applications helping to maintain the appropriate balance for a particular result. For example, it can measure the pH of pharmaceutical medications, soil, swimming pool water and hair shampoos. This Cambridge portable electronic pH instrument was made in 1946 by a company specialising in scientific instruments. It is an early example of much smaller devices used today in many different fields including medicine, and the preservation and conservation of shipwreck artefacts. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village's Curator uses a pH meter today in the conservation process of a historic cannon that was recovered from the 1839 wreck of the vessel 'Children'.Scientific instrument, electric Cambridge Portable pH Meter in a polished wooden box with compartments, fold-out doors, and leather carry handle. Includes blue covered Instruction manual with a 'Certificate of Test' inside, and chemicals. Electrodes mounted in compartment. The lid is separate from the base, attached by pins and hinges. A plate inside the lid gives instructions for 'Preparation for Use'. Made by the Cambridge Instrument Company, London, in 1946.Printed on plate: "Cambridge Instrument Co. Ltd, 13 Grosvenor Place, London, S.W.1' Certificate dated: "6-3- 46" (1946)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, ph meter, cambridge scientific instrument co. ltd, horace darwin, cambridge university, ph balance, scientific instrument, ph measurement -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Meter Multi General Purpose, circa mid to late 1900's
This general purpose Multi-meter was manufactured after 1950 and used by the SEC Vic (Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme) from that date until late 1900's. It was used to measure very small voltages associated with the operation of the various Hydro Generators. The readings were able to be shown by the resistor in use in the current circuit. During this time period, high quality testing instruments were either sourced from Europe or England. This particular meter was manufactured in the Netherlands. This type of "old" analogue meter was replaced by digital meters whose electronic components are a fraction of the size of the older analogue ones.This analog General Purpose multi-meter is quite a large (for handheld mobile) apparatus which permits the easy monitoring of electrical variations within the large SEC Victoria Hydro Scheme's electrical generators. These generators are powered by the hydro force of "stored" water at a higher altitude. The establishment of both the NSW and Victorian Hydro schemes was achieved from the mid 1900's to the 1960's. At this point in time the need for additional power sources to quench both an industrial and domestic demand for electricity was purely an economic and not and environmental (carbon reduction) factor. This hydro scheme was instigated by "the Government of the day" as a bold move and was the major force of the World War II refugee and "technical" workforce inclusion of skilled and unskilled migration into the Australian environment. Although this mass "invasion" of workers with families was thought of in some circles as intrusive, the expansion of population post war years and its integration into the Australian rural sector, produced the multi- lingual multi-cultural diversity of later years.This General Purpose Multimeter is an analogue meter i.e. it has a needle arm that moves across a scale of divisions. This is a large(hand held) device due to the mechanical movement system within and the large size of its electronic components of its circuitry.There are two black bake-lite push buttons operating the wire inserts Positive/negative leads at the top. The meter (protected with a glass window) has clearly marked graduations (top - volts, bottom amperes). Below this are two bake-lite dials (left "potentiometer the right one measuring range selector). Below this is a "dial" switch to input the desired resistance measuring range "V" Front "H&B ELIMA" and to the right Elavi 15n. 0n the front side is a label "STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA TRANSMISSION DEPT E.C.No." On the bottom of the base is a stenciled layout of the battery "layout" including the fuse . The information notice is presented in five languages starting with German, English,French, Italian, Spanish and Dutchsec vic kiewa hydro scheme, alternate energy supplies, alpine population growth -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Meter AVO, circa 1930 to 1951
... of separate measuring devices was reduced considerably. The need ...When this AVOMETER was being utilised in the early 1950's it was at the "leading" edge of electrical measuring instrumentation.The first meter was produced by Automatic Coil Winder and Electrical Equipment Co. in 1923. This model was produced in the time from 1933 to 1951 when it was superseded by the most popular model, Model 8 (1951 to 2008).This AVO meter brought the measuring of three electrical power indicators i.e., amps, volts and ohms into one measuring unit. By using a "one fits all" unit, the carrying of separate measuring devices was reduced considerably. The need for a mountainous and a large area of operational requirements, such as the SEC Vic Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme, to minimise the weight of equipment carried by electricians and technicians was of the utmost relevance. The significance of this meter to the Kiewa Valley region relates to the impact of modern technology (at that time) upon a mainly rural environment. This equipment shows how the boost of "modern" equipment into the area because of the "Hydro Scheme" was facilitated a lot faster than would have taken under "normal" evolutionary time. The speed of information on all "new technology" had a relatively slow assimilation rate to those living in rural communities. This AVOMETER is a Model 7 MKII, production pre 1951. This meter measures electrical Amps, Volts and Ohms and has two internal batteries for its power. The main casing is made from aluminium with a bake-lite front. The front has a "window" detailing, with a needle pointer, the amount of electrical power being tested. There are two big dial switches, detailing Direct Current(DC) and Alternating Current(AC) when reading measurements of Ampere, Voltage and Ohms for power. This meter took the place of three or four meters used earlier. Modern meters (2000 onwards) have become digilised and are considerably lighter in weight and smaller. There are two electrical connection leads (one black and one red) each has a removable clasp and is 125cm long.Molded on the front centre panel " UNIVERSAL AVOMETER". Below this and above the left hand dial "D.C. SWITCH" .Above the right hand switch the right "A.C. SWITCH". On the left of each switch is an arrow pointing to it.The left switch is marked with a "+" and the right one with a "-". There is a "divisional 2" mark. Between and below the dials is "CUT OUT" plunger.electrical meters, electrical equipment, sec vic., state electricity commission of victoria, mt beauty, bogong village -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Case Leather, circa mid to late 1900's
... it contained the "leading" edge of electrical measuring ...When this AVOMETER leather case was being utilised in the early 1950's it contained the "leading" edge of electrical measuring instrumentation.The first meter was produced by Automatic Coil Winder and Electrical Equipment Co. in 1923. This model was produced in the time from 1933 to 1951 when it was superseded by the most popular model, Model 8 (1951 to 2008).This leather case which holds its AVO Meter brought the measuring of three electrical power indicators i.e., amps, volts and ohms into one measuring unit. By using a "one fits all" unit, the carrying of separate measuring devices was reduced considerably. The need for a mountainous and a large area of operational requirements, such as the SEC Vic Kiewa Hydro Electricity Scheme, to minimise the weight of equipment carried by electricians and technicians was of the utmost relevance. The significance of this meter to the Kiewa Valley region relates to the impact of modern technology (at that time) upon a mainly rural environment. This equipment shows how the boost of "modern" equipment into the area because of the "Hydro Scheme" was facilitated a lot faster than would have taken under "normal" evolutionary time. The speed of information on all "new technology" had a relatively slow assimilation rate to those living in rural communities. The use of solid leather carrying bags for transporting equipment up and down the mountains provided some form of protection against bumps and dust.This carry case for its AVO meter has an outer leather covering with an inner thick cardboard liner. The case has two mild steel buckles but stitched onto one side but no lid to fasten down. The sides are stitched together with strong tick twine. On either side there are small strap holds. On the bottom are four large chromed metal lugs acting as feet to keep the bottom from lying flat on any floor. The outside bottom has been branded "SOLID COWHIDE"Between the front two buckles is a identification plate riveted onto the cowhide "STATE ELECTRICITY COMMISSION OF VICTORIA ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING SECTION"electrical meters, electrical equipment, sec vic., state electricity commission of victoria, mount beauty, bogong village -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Meter Ammeter Recorder, Circa 1950
This testing voltmeter recorder was last certified by SEC Vic laboratories on the 17/4/77. It was used extensively as mobile recorder placed for periods of one month at locations experiencing unacceptable fluctuations of power. These locations would cover the North East regions of Victoria. They cover voltage drops at domestic and business properties especially those that were experiencing regular fluctuations(daily) at approximately the same time of the day. As the electrical network is required to operate within a set level of voltage, fluctuations outside of this has to be investigated and necessary remedial action taken. This is especially so for rural properties where power "drainage" can occur through animal/bird and tree interference. It can also be the result of defective wiring and overloading at peek operational times (milking machines).This mobile voltage recorder is very significant to the Kiewa Valley because it highlights the difficulties that can occur in maintaining a power supply that experiences fluctuating power demands by the rural industries that it supplies. The requirement of a mobile testing apparatus to cover the various sections in the Kiewa Valley and other rural areas in the northeast region is one of necessity as electricity once connected to a rural property is a labour saving supply as generators on rural properties require a higher degree of maintenance an ultimately at a higher cost. The testing of the SEC Vic supplied electricity to rural properties,those who had previously run on generators, had to be quick and unassuming with certainty of correct supply levels.The mechanism of this voltage recorder has been installed(by the manufacturer) into its own protective wooden box. This box has a front (swing open) lockable section which permits direct access to the installed measuring equipment (for servicing and data collection). The top section of the box has two screw on terminals for access to the machine being tested. This tester has its own inbuilt ink supply facilities and a mechanical clockwork device that unwinds a roll of paper onto a second roll at a rate of 10 mm per hour. The recording chart is marked with time slots against voltage. There is a recording arm which has an ink pen at the end. Both arm and pen carry the ink supply from the ink reservoir, located on the left side of the cabinet door in specially constructed bottle holder( three small bottle capacity). To record a suspect power problem to a home or business establishment the voltmeter is connected to a power supply outlet being tested and wind the recording clockwork mechanism (gives a four week running time). Before leaving the recorder in situ the electrician checks to see if the chart is recording the correct voltage and that the clock mechanism is advancing correctly.On the front of the access "door" at the top a metal label "RECORDING AMMETER" below this "MURDAY SYSTEM" below this "ALTERNATING CURRENT" and below this the manufacturer's registered number "No. 139156" Below this is a metal tag with State Electricity Commission of Victoria Electrical Engineer's Section equipment number "338" Below these tags and above the viewing window is the manufacturer's dtails "EVERSHED & VIGNOLES Led LONDON"sec vic kiewa hydro scheme, alternate energy supplies, alpine feasibility studies temperature, rainfall, power outages -
Orbost & District Historical Society
scales, c. 19th century
Possibly used in a shop or as a travelling set of scales for a hawker.This item is an example of an early device used for measurement.A set of hanging scales. Two copper containers are suspended one from each end of a beam. In the centre of the beam is a hanging rod to the top and a pointer at the bottom.A number of scroll designs are imprinted into the beam. scales weight-measure hanging-scales -
Learmonth and District Historical Society Inc.
Scales, "Circa 1863"
... potter london measuring devices Date 25/1/1865.Various hallmarks ...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