Exceptional 19th century Sikes Hydrometer set with bone proof rules
Hydrometer, brass, in wooden case, with slid rule, Sikes, by Joseph Long of London, 19th century
Reducing and comparative slide rule, was used by Excise Officer
Joseph Long was an instrument maker who began in business at 20 Little Tower Street, London, in 1820. Four years later he introduced a new saccharometer designed for brewers. T
The sliding rule is marked “J. LONG 20 LITTLE TOWER STREET LONDON.”
Long worked at this address from 1821 - 1884.
Alcohol Meter and slide rule were used to determine "Proof" on the whiskey and to measure the capacity of a barrel for tax purposes.
Wood box with green felt lining.
Alcohol Meter and slide rule were used to determine "Proof" on the whiskey and to measure the capacity of a barrel for tax purposes.
Wood box with green felt lining.
A perfect set, given the approximate 150 year age of this equipment. See images for condition. Of interest to this antique:
Bartholomew Sikes was a British Excise Officer who perfected a device by which the alcoholic content of a liquid can be measured.
In 1802, he presented his invention to a board of inquiry together with nine other competitors who included Mary Dicas, of Liverpool, whose hydrometer was the approved instrument by the American excise. Sikes' device was chosen over the other nine.
The success of the device caused his name to be immortalized in an English Act of Parliament: The Sikes' Hydrometer Act 1816. From 1816 until 1980, the Sikes' Hydrometer was the standard used in the UK to measure the alcohol proof of spirit”
CONDITION
Very Good
Very Good
No issues noted
See all pictures
Please contact us with any questions!