95/7

Opancol Limited (Manufacturer)

A hygrometer, consisting of a long pointed metal tube with holes at the end, and a dial with three different scales - one for calibration, one for measuring the percentage of moisture content in wheat, barley and rye, and one for measuring the percentage of moisture content in oats. There is also a marker showing the correct moisture content of hay for storage. It was made by Opancol Limited in West Germany circa 1950, and is branded a 'Quicktest Hygrometer'. It belonged to the donor's neighbour in Nettlebed, Oxfordshire, who had been a farmer.

1 hygrometer: metal; good condition

Inscription: 'Quicktest Hygrometer for Moisture in Grain, Opancol Limited, Made in W. Germany', MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: HYGROMETER // Accession number: 95/7 // … // Recorder: JMB // Date: 11.1.95 // Description: This hygrometer consists of a long pointed metal tube which has holes at the end. There is a handle consisting of a crosspiece with wooden hand grips on each side. The dial has three different scales and it measures % moisture content. There is a ring at the top of the dial for hanging the instrument when not in use. // Dimensions: Diameter of dial: 10.0 cm // Length: 114 cm // Width at handle: 21.0 cm // Associated information: Date: c 1950 Acquired by [donor] as for 95/6 [Acquired by [donor], quite recently, at the death of a near neighbour, Wing Commander P. Dodson a former farmer.] // Inscription: ‘QUICKTEST’ HYGROMETER FOR MOISTURE IN GRAIN // OPANCOL LIMITED // Made in W. Germany // One scale is for calibration (explanation on back of dial). One scale measures % moisture in wheat, barley and rye. One scale measures % moisture in oats. There is a marker for correct moisture content of hay for storage. // Used for testing moisture content of products in store.’

West Germany

1950 - 1950