Accession No

2380

Brief Description

engine indicator by McKinnes, c.1900

Origin

Glasgow; Scotland

Maker

T.S. McInnes & Co.

Class

engineering

Earliest Date

1900

Latest Date

1900

Inscription Date

Material

metal (brass, steel, white metal); plastic (ebonite); wood; rope (string); paper

Dimensions

length 183mm; breadth 125mm; depth 85mm box length 250mm; breadth 200mm; height 125mm

Special Collection

Provenance

Donated by Dr. John Cats (?), Old Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, 1977. Belonged to Dr. Cats’ grandfather, who was a marine engineer.

Inscription

‘T.S. MCINNES’ PATENT’
‘T. S. MCINNES’ PATENT INDICAT[OR]
For all PRESSURES and SPEED[S]
As adapted by the British and F[or]eign Admiralties.’ (label in lid of box)
‘T. S. MCINNES & CO.,
16 WATERLOO STREET,
GLASGOW.’ (label in lid of box)

Description Notes

Engine indicator. Cylindrical ebonite-coated brass valve which can be attached to engine being analysed by screwthread at base. Piston on top of valve is attached to a steel arm with a stylus on one end which records the pressure on a brass drum. This drum is rotated by means of a waxed stringwhich unwinds from the base of the drum.
Fitted woden box with brass hinges and hook fasteners. Four spare springs (all very corroded). Compartment in lid holding five sheets of drum papers; lid has very worn list of correct springs for given pressure ranges.
Note from previous owner also present in the box.

Condition unacceptable (extremely corroded); complete.

References

Events