95/31/1-6

Thomas Ashworth and Co. Ltd. (Manufacturer)

This is the 'Speedy' Moisture Tester, manufactured by Thomas Ashworth & Co. Ltd. of Burnley, Lancashire, in the 1920s. The equipment consists of a set of scales with pan, a ladle, a brush, a can of calcium carbide and a canister with a built-in dial and screw cap, all contained in a wooden box with a hinged lid. The equipment was used to test the moisture content of grain or other samples.

1 moisture testing kit: fair condition[cont'd]...inscription on scales and on red/yellow can: 'The Speedy Moisture Tester, T. Ashworth & Co. Ltd., Vulcan Works, Burnley, England'. Instructions for using the tester are inside the lid of the box; Also, loose grain and powder from the box has been put in a plastic bag.

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'Recorder: JMB // Date: 15.2.95 // Description: Wooden box with hinged lid and two clip fastenings containing equipment for measuring moisture content of grain or other samples. The leather carrying handle is broken at one end. // Contents of box: small scale with pan // canister with built in dial and screw cap // yellow and red can containing calcium carbide // small ladle and red & black brush // Dimensions: Length: 39.0 cm Width: 30.0 cm Depth: 12.0 cm // Associated information: Inscription on scales: THE SPEEDY MOISTURE TESTER // T. ASHWORTH & CO. LTD. // VULCAN WORKS, BURNLEY // ENGLAND. // Also on Red & Cream can. // Instructions for using the tester inside lid of box. // (Loose grain & powder from the box put in plastic bag) // References: See also Acc No. 76/270 – identical moisture tester // Archives: TR AMD P2/B 265–269.’, TR AMD/P2/B266 – ‘Moisture Tester // With the increased use of Combines and Drying Plants farmers will be encouraged to provide themselves with a method of determining the water content of grain. If it is too wet, the farmer can postpone combining or can arrange for the crop to be dried. Otherwise it will spoil on storage. When fields are too wet for Combines, or farming methods are not completely mechanised, harvesting is carried out with reapers and binders. // Whatever the harvesting method the moisture contained in the structure of the grain as well as on the outside is vital to the farmer. Having these fact in mind, Thomas Ashworth & Co. Ltd., Basket Street, Burnley, Lancs., England, have manufactured a “Speedy” Moisture Tester for obtaining the percentage moisture in grain quickly. This implement is recommended by the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering in Britain and in fact they assisted the makers in special calibration for grain. The Ministry of Agriculture for the British Isles have also recognised the “Speedy” Moisture Tester and have purchased several testers for supplying the various Country Agricultural Officers throughout their country. // The principle of this patented apparatus is the instant release of gas from the “Speedy” Absorbent on contact with the moisture in the sample. The pressure of the gas released registers on the dial gauge indicating the percentage of moisture. A Grinder is provided to obtain a ground sample, which is essential if the true moisture is to be obtained. This allows the reading to include the moisture which is within the grain structure. The ground sample is weighed on a counterpoised balance (no weights needed) which is included in the complete outfit. This comprises the actual testing implement, a counterpoised balance, scoop for measuring “Speedy” Absorbent, a tin of Absorbent sufficient for 50 tests, a cleaning brush, a spare rubber washer and complete working instructions. These are supplied in a carrying case 15” x 12” x 4½”, and weighs 12 lbs. // Whenever harvesting or drying is in progress Machinery Dealers will be in a favourable position for selling the “Speedy” Moisture Tester and Grinder. It is reasonable in price and Thomas Ashworth’s sole agents in this country:–

Burnley

1920-01-01 - 1929-12-31

1920s

Wood, Metal