Posted 7 years ago
etcher70
(1 item)
Hello there,
I wonder whether anyone could help us to identify a mystery (technical?) object? I have attached a photo.
It is made by G Cussons Ltd. Technical Works. Broughton, Manchester
(who are still in existence - but we have approached without any reply).
It is marked out in inches and the bottom section is 48 inches long.
It is made of wood with stencilled lettering (looks 1930's / 40's). The bottom half is fixed but the top half slides and can be replaced to give different comparative scales marked as follows:
9 into 10 equal parts
11 into 10 equal parts
15 into 10 equal parts
19 into 20 equal parts
We are intrigued about what it could possibly have been used for so if you were able to shed any light on it we would be very grateful.
All the best,
Kirsty
??? No clue?? A device to measure liquid or flow ??
Someone else may know, as I as clueless. I only say that because of the wording of numbers into equal parts.................?? like measuring
Two scales of different proportions can be used when doing math or technical drawings to obtain exact angles. Also, they can be used as a "Vernier" to make measurements more accurately than can be obtained with a single ruler. Neither of these uses seems appropriate for a device this large - unless it is a teaching device for a classroom (like a giant slide rule). I think it's older than you believe, by several decades.
Hello,
Thank you both for your comments - as yet no other sources have been able to come up with any ideas at all!
Uncle Ron - your theory sounds very plausible. Please could you tell me why you think it's older then 1930's? If it might be a classroom aid are there any other sources you think we should try for further information about it?
All the best,
Kirsty
Simply the overall appearance. I'm just winging it but I've been interested "old stuff" for over 50 years and have attended thousands of auctions starting when I was about 12 years old. It doesn't look 19th century but it doesn't look as late as 1930s either. maybe if I had it in hand I would feel differently but I get a very early 20th C vibe. Since I don't know what it was used for I don't know where to look for information. It's the size that confounds me; that's why I suggested a classroom teaching tool.
Thank you - you're probably right! The only reason I thought it was 30's was because of the typeface. We've sent a couple of emails about teaching tools and we'll see what comes back. If I ever find out a definitive answer I'll let you know!
Kirsty
a tool for working out the spacing of, for example, fence posts so they are all an equal distance apart.
TassieDevil- Do you know that or is it a guess? It seems it would be a lot easier to use a piece of chain or rope (or, duh! a tape measure ;- ) )
UncleRon,
Just trying to help here......and this is my suggestion.
Thanks for all your suggestions.
Still waiting to hear from the Science Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester. I'll post if they have anything useful to add!
Kirsty