dial reading chainomatic analytical balance
Date1930-1940
Inventory Number2006-1-0111
ClassificationBalance
Subject
Maker
Christian Becker, Inc.
1915 - 1943
User
Department of Geology and Geography, Harvard University
1890 - 1961
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions51 x 48 x 23 cm (20 1/16 x 18 7/8 x 9 1/16 in.)
Material
Accessoriesthin paint brush; small round metal box containing square of metal; thin wire; pans (2)
DescriptionAn instrument consisting of a metal case with windows on its front and back, with a metal balance inside. Most of the balance is not unusual, with a central column on which rests the balance beam, with two trays with metal holders hanging from it. It has three knobs in front, and one on each side of the case.
What is specific of this particular balance is the existence of a dial with a scale and a vernier on the right side of the front window. This dial has a metal chain wrapped around it such that it can descend into one of the balance's trays.
What is specific of this particular balance is the existence of a dial with a scale and a vernier on the right side of the front window. This dial has a metal chain wrapped around it such that it can descend into one of the balance's trays.
Signedfront plaque, script: Christian Becker
right plate: CHRISTIAN BECKER / CLIFTON, NEW JERSEY, MADE IN U.S.A. / (top of frame) STYLE AB-4 CAP. 200 G / (bottom frame) SERIAL NO. A 12298
Inscribedsticker on glass: Omega Balance Service / P. O. Box 33 / Old Bridge, / New Jersey
FunctionThis is an analytical balance that is designed to make the determination of the last decimals of a weight measurement much quicker. Up to a range of around 0.1 grams, it works like any other balance, with the user having to open the door and place new weights repeatedly. Then, instead of using finer weights, the user can gradually lower the chain onto the tray by rotating the dial on the top right of the front window. When the system is balance the user can simply read the milligrams off the dial scale, even up to the scale on the vernier if necessary.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Geology and Geography, Harvard University, courtesy of Prof. Stephen Dobos.
Christian Becker
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: in the drawer is a small box of weights, as well as two cards giving instructions for use
Object number: 2004-1-0308
American Balance Corporation
Date: circa 1960
Accessories: brush; aluminum blocks
Object number: 1996-1-0204
Keller Manufacturing Company
Date: 1900-1920
Accessories: two tweezers; a small box of fractional weights; two colored carboard boxes; a small metallic case; four small cylindrical boxes; a convex circular piece of glass
Object number: 2004-1-0332
Eimer & Amend
Date: circa 1922
Accessories: set-up instructions; weights; corked glass viles; tweezer; magnifying glass
Object number: 1996-1-0207
L. E. Knott Apparatus Company
Date: 1910-1920
Accessories: steel weight trays (2)
Object number: 2004-1-0305