Posted 8 years ago
bobbee
(105 items)
Got these from a charity shop last week for £1 each.
They measure 10.5 inches long, are made of brass with a copper plating. I think the copper was used because of anti-bacterial/microbial qualities.
I can't find an exact match for this model, with a tubular scale on the top half (above the bulb), they are all a flat strip of metal in those earlier (1820's-1880's) models seen on ebay and the like.
Used by brewers, and also by Custom's and Excise from 1816-1907 for measuring alcohol content.
These two are made by the same maker, G.H. Zeal of London, they still make hydrometers today but they are made of glass since the early 20th.C.
Thank you all for the loves!
Very interesting! I don't think the charity shop staff knew what they are selling. You rescued these.
I have "rescued" quite a few items from that particular shop Martika!
I have tried to talk to them, saying I would help with any valuing/identification, but they don't care.
I'm glad in a way... ;-)
Thanks all!