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HELP........What was this thermometer used for?

An old wooden cased thermometer. I don't imagine it was used on patients by your average nurse!

Ian Silver ● 5089d13 Comments

Stevenson-Reeves?  I think they might have a stall at the Brentford Festival! ;0)

Jim Lawes ● 5088d

Brewing is  a possibility.My old mates at Reeves still produce fairly similar slotted brass cases for glass  thermometers - see page 15 of http://www.stevenson-reeves.co.uk/reeves/Catalogue2006Unpriced.pdfHowever any industry where accurate temperatures were important enough to have used a rather expensive well-protected thermometer may have needed it. I guess it is in Fahrenheit (32 freezing point of water - 212 boiling point).

Tim Henderson ● 5088d

@JaneAs the maximum temperature measurable is 200º (Fahrenheit or Celsius) I do hope you are wrong!  I think jam is the more likely answer.

David Biles ● 5088d

Mmm, doubtful. It is hollow at that end and has lots of holes. It wouldn't be very hygenic putting it back in the wooden case clogged up with cow dung.I wonder if it was used in the kitchen?

Ian Silver ● 5088d

It could be a veterinary thermometer.  Used on large animals such as cows & horses hence the ring at the top to which a cord would have been attached to prevent it disappearing up the animals ar*e & to help in removing it!!!  Whatever it was used for it's a lovely piece of history,Jane

Jane Masri ● 5088d

Jim,All roads lead to Brentford Festival!;-)

Keith Iddon ● 5089d

Suggest you take it along to the Brentford Festival on Sunday and visit the "Antiques Roadshow" there.

Jim Lawes ● 5089d

Yes, 16" for the case and 14" for the thermometer. I don't think it was for soil as the holes would be all clogged up.It looks as if the bottom end has been subjected to some heat but not a lot; it is only slightly discoloured.Brewers possibly?

Ian Silver ● 5089d

It's hard to se how long this is,about 16-18 inches?For measurements of soil temperature perhaps?

Keith Iddon ● 5089d

Ian Silver ● 5089d

Ian Silver ● 5089d

Grrrrrrr.....image hosting!!

Ian Silver ● 5089d

Ian Silver ● 5089d