95/5

Buss (Manufacturer)

Hydrometers are instruments for measuring the specific gravity of liquds at a specific temperature. This brass hydrometer forms part of a set of hydrometer, weights and thermometer, all housed in a wooden box with an inlaid lid. The text on the lid reads 'Sike's Hydrometer // Buss // 33 Hatton Garden // London'. The hydromoter belonged to the donor's grandfather, a brewer in the West Riding of Yorkshire who died in 1938, and was used to determine the alcohol proof, strength and percentage.

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: HYDROMETER // Accession number: 95/5 // … // Recorder: JMB // Date: 10.1.95 // Description: Wooden box with inlay on the lid, lined with purple cloth on the lid and black felt in the base. Two hook fastenings. // A brass hydrometer and weights are arranged in the box together with a thermometer which is mounted on ivory or bone. // One weight is missing and the bulb of the thermometer is broken. // Dimensions of the box: Length: 20.0 cm Depth: 5.0 cm Width: 9.5 cm // Associated information: Inscription on lid: SIKE’S HYDROMETER // BUSS // 33 HATTON GARDEN // LONDON // This hydrometer belonged to [donor’s] grandfather, George C. Taylor (died 1938) from West Riding of Yorkshire. He was a brewer. Used to measure specific gravity of liquids.’, For further information about history, usage and manufacture of the Sike's hydrometer, see http://www.promash.com/sikes/index.html.

Hatton Garden [Camden]