This is a late 19th century Sike's hydrometer set in excellent condition and manufactured by Thomas O'Dempsey Buss, who worked at the 48 Hatton Garden, London address from the 1890's.
The weights are all individually marked with the makers name and the serial number no 28062, and also on the hydrometer float. The thermometer also carries the Buss name and Hatton garden address showing this set to be original, although the wooden proof rule is unsigned so may be a replacement.
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case with a red silk lining and velvet pad which are both in good condition, with only minor edge fraying at one end of the lid silk.
The polished case lid has an inset cartouche which reads, 'SIKE'S HYDROMETER, BUSS 48 HATTON GARDEN LONDON'
All in working order including the thermometer and weighing 650 grams, the case measures 247mm x 105mm x 50mm in height.
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SC2633 |
A nice example of a late 19th century Sikes hydrometer set, manufactured by W.R. Loftus, 146 Oxford Street, London.
It comes with a 107 page original copy of 'Sikes Hydrometer Tables by Loftus London', a handbook of 'Tables of the Concentrated strength of spirits as used by the officers of the Excise branch of the Inland Revenue' which is generally in good condition, but a little fragile so should be handled carefully when reading.
This is a complete set with all weights individually marked with the serial number no 729, which corresponds with the number on the hydrometer float itself, with the exception of the end stop, which is a Loftus replacement numbered 12025.
The thermometer is also in good condition with no breaks in the line and is hand signed 'Alfred Graves' on the reverse (see photo), who was presumably a previous owner of the set.
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case, measuring 240mm x 105mm x 55mm, the silk lining in the lid is a little thread bare in places but still quite presentable.
A good example for collectors of antique breweriana, the case and book together weigh just over 900 grams.
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SC2461 |
Negretti & Zambra has a long tradition in the manufacture of scientific instruments since 1850 and is probably the most renowned maker of the time.
Dating to the end of the 19th century, this is a complete Sikes hydrometer set with two boxwood proof rules and a bone backed thermometer.
The brass hydrometer & case are marked with the serial number 7336, as are the weights which also have the N & Z initials on the opposite side.
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case lined in red silk & velvet, the silk lining in the lid is a little worn around the edges but still quite presentable.
The polished case lid has an inset cartouche which reads, 'SIKE'S HYDROMETER, NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, LONDON', and there is also a paper adjustment label from Joseph Long dated 1956 on the underside of the case, showing this set has been used over quite a long period of time.
In working order including the thermometer, the case measures 247mm x 115mm x 50mm.
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SC2333 |
This Sikes hydrometer set is an early example made shortly after the 1816 act of Parliament that replaced the Clarkes hydrometer as the standard method of measuring wines & spirits by Excise officers.
Manufactured by Dring & Fage sometime between 1822 to 1845, it's inscribed 'SIKES HYDROMETER DRING & FAGE 19 & 20 TOOLEY STREET MAKERS TO THE REVENUE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM & COLONIES' on the inset cartouche.
After John Clarkes death, the business passed to his son Richard, the brother-in-law of John Dring who later took over the business in partnership with William Fage.
They also adopted John Clarke's crescent moon and dagger logo, visible on the thermometer which has an intact mercury line.
The weights are all individually marked with the serial number 12492 and the initials 'D.F' on the opposite sides, which corresponds with the number on the hydrometer float itself.
This set is in very good condition and is housed in a mahogany case lined in a deep blue velvet.
The case measures 197mm x 97mm x 65mm, is free from any splits or cracks and has a warm age patination.
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SC2202 |
This 19th century Sikes hydrometer set is in superb condition and manufactured by Joseph Long at the 43 Eastcheap London address.
The weights are all individually marked with the makers initials 'JL' and the serial number 24919, the same number is also engraved on the hydrometer float itself, as is the makers name, which is also on the two beautifully crafted bone proof rules.
The bone backed thermometer also carries the makers name but appears to be a later replacement and is in good working order with no gaps in the line.
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case with velvet lining, this is an exceptional set and would have been the deluxe version in its day.
The polished case lid has an inset cartouche which reads, 'SIKE'S HYDROMETER, BY JOSEPH LONG, 43 EASTCHEAP, LONDON, MAKERS TO THE INLAND REVENUE INDIAN & COLONIAL GOVERNMENTS'
In excellent condition all round, the case measures 250mm x 122mm and is just under 60mm in height, with a weight of just over 1kg.
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SC2047 |
The company of Henry Hughes & Son has a long tradition in the manufacture of navigational instruments for the military since 1828, so its quite unusual to find a Sikes hydrometer carrying their name.
Dating to the end of the 19th century, this is a complete set with two boxwood proof rules and a bone backed thermometer.
The brass hydrometer & weights are marked with the serial number 10465, along with the makers name and address on the thermometer.
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case lined in red silk & velvet, the silk lining in the lid is a little thread bare around the edges but is still quite presentable.
The polished case lid has an inset cartouche which reads,
'SYKE'S HYDROMETER, HUGHES & SON, 59 FENCHURCH STRt LONDON'.
In working order including the thermometer, the case measures 247mm x 116mm x 50mm.
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SC1988 |
A Sikes hydrometer manufactured by T O Blake, 58 Hatton Garden , London.
The weights are all individually marked with the makers name and the serial number 2879, which corresponds with the number on the hydrometer float itself, showing this set to be completely original.
The bone backed mercury thermometer also carries the makers name and is in working order.
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case, lined in red silk this is a fine example, which is not only complete but also in very good condition.
Case measures 205mm x 95mm x 55mm.
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SC1943 |
This is a late 19th century Sikes hydrometer set in superb condition and manufactured by BUSS, 33 Hatton Garden, London, who worked at this address from 1866 to 1895.
The weights are all individually marked with the makers name and the serial number no 25226, and also on the hydrometer float itself, showing this set to be original and complete.
The hydrometer and the bone backed thermometer also carry the makers name and address along with the boxwood rules, all printed 'BUSS MAKER 33 HATTON GARDEN, LONDON'.
It also comes with its original 1894 Thomas O'Dempsey Buss hardback book of Sikes' Tables of the Concentrated Strength of Spirits.
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case with a silk lining and velvet pad which are both in exceptionally good condition, with no tears in the silk.
The polished case lid also has an inset cartouche which reads, 'SIKES HYDROMETER, BUSS 33 HATTON GARDEN, LONDON'
In working order including the thermometer, it measures 245mm x 110mm and is just over 50mm in height.
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SC1939 |
This late 19th century Sykes hydrometer set is by Farrow & Jackson, who were very much involved in the manufacture of a variety of brewing products. It's a complete set with two boxwood proof rules & bone backed thermometer.
The brass hydrometer & weights are marked with the serial number 5000, along with the makers name on the hydrometer, & the initials F&J on the reverse of the weights. The boxwood rules are printed 'Farrow & Jackson, London & Paris' along one edge, but the thermometer is unbranded so may be a replacement.
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case with a red silk lining and velvet pad, the cosmetic condition of the case & its contents are in excellent condition.
The polished case lid has an inset cartouche which reads,
'SYKE'S HYDROMETER, FARROW & JACKSON, LONDON & PARIS'.
In working order including the thermometer, the case measures 245mm x 115mm x 50mm.
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SC1796 |
A nice Sikes hydrometer set complete with proof rule, the weights are all individually marked with the serial number 4702, which corresponds with the number on the hydrometer float itself.
There is also a boxwood proof rule and a bone backed mercury thermometer, both in good condition and with no breaks in the mercury line.
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case with a red silk lining and velvet pad which are both in very good condition, with only a small corner of the lid silk becoming a little threadbare.
The polished case lid has an inset cartouche which reads,
' SIKES' HYDROMETER, J. EVANS, LONDON'
Dating to the mid 19th century, it measures 245mm x 108mm and is just under 55mm in height.
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SC1732 |
This is a mid 19th century Sikes hydrometer set in superb condition and manufactured by Joseph Long, who worked at 20 Little Tower Street, London, from the 1820's until 1884.
The weights are all individually marked with the makers initials 'JL' & the serial number 17521, the same number is also engraved on the hydrometer float itself, as is the makers name & address, showing this set to be completely original and complete.
The bone backed mercury thermometer also carries the makers name & address and is in good working order with no gaps in the mercury line.
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case with a red silk lining and velvet pad which are both in very good condition, with only a small corner of the lid silk becoming a little threadbare.
The polished case lid has an inset cartouche which reads, ' SIKE'S HYDROMETER, BY JOS H LONG, LITTLE TOWER STREET, LONDON'
It measures 200mm x 95mm and is just over 50mm in height.
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SC1692 |
A fine late19th century Sikes hydrometer set by J Lizars in very good condition with both weights and hydrometer float marked with the serial number 14941.
The bone backed mercury thermometer is in good working order with no gaps in the mercury line.
The case lid has an inset cartouche which reads, ' SIKE'S HYDROMETER, J. LIZARS, GLASGOW, EDINBURGH Etc.'
Housed in a beautiful polished mahogany case, with a red velvet interior which is also in good condition, it measures 230mm x 85mm and is just over 50mm in height.
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SC1633 |
This is a complete Sikes hydrometer set signed J Short, London.
The weights are all individually marked with the serial number no 38825, which corresponds with the number on the hydrometer float itself, showing this set to be completely original. Both the hydrometer and the mercury thermometer also carry the makers name and all are in full working order, the only blemish being a small dent on the underside of the brass hydrometer bulb (see photo)
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case lined in silk & velvet, the silk lining in the lid is a little thread bare at one end, but is still quite presentable.
The set dates to the latter part of the 19th century and measures 200mm x 100mm with a height of just over 50mm.
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SC1561 |
This is a turn of the century Sikes hydrometer set manufactured by Joseph Long, London..
The weights areindividually marked with the serial number no 17313, which not only corresponds with the number on the hydrometer float itself, but is also the number impressed on the wooden case.
Housed in a dark mahogany case lined in a deep blue velvet, there is a paper adjustment label from Peter Stevenson Ltd, Edinburgh on the underside, with a replacement thermometer supplied by Stevenson, presumably when it was adjusted sometime in the late 20th century, so it's likely it was in regular use probably until the 1980's.
The polished case lid has an inset cartouche which reads, ' SIKES HYDROMETER - BY - JOSEPH LONG Ltd LONDON. '
All in working order including the thermometer, the case measures 200mm x 77mm and 60mm in height.
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SC1519 |
This is a 19th century Sikes hydrometer set housed in a polished mahogany case with a bone cartouche on the lid on which is printed the Royal Coat of Arms for the United Kingdom, and the words 'SIKES's HYDROMETER' underneath.
The weights are all individually marked with the serial number no 28209, which corresponds with the number on the hydrometer float itself.
Although there is no makers name on the hydrometer the accompanying thermometer carries the name J. Long London, and this is likely to be Joseph Long who worked between 1820 to 1860.
In excellent condition all round, the inside is lined in red silk & purple velvet, with slots for the two boxwood sliding proof rules.
Both the hydrometer and the bone backed mercury thermometer are in full working order.
It measures 250mm x 115mm and is just over 55mm in height.
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SC1295 |
This is a late 19th century Sikes hydrometer set in superb condition and manufactured by BUSS, 48 Hatton Garden, London, who worked at this address from the 1890's.
The weights are all individually marked with the makers name & the serial number no 25678, and also on the hydrometer float itself, showing this set to be completely original, and complete.
Both the hydrometer and the bone backed mercury thermometer carry the makers name and all are in full working order.
It also comes with what is likely to be its original 1894 Thomas O'Dempsey Buss hardback book of Sikes' Tables of Spirits.
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case with a red silk lining and velvet pad which are both in exceptionally good condition, with no tears in the silk.
The polished case lid has an inset cartouche which reads, ' SIKES HYDROMETER, BUSS 48 Hatton Garden LONDON'
It measures 205mm x 95mm and is just over 50mm in height.
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SC1382 |
A fine condition Sikes hydrometer manufactured by W.R. Loftus Ltd, 18 Tottenham Ct Rd, London.
The weights are all individually marked with the makers name and the serial number 14233, which corresponds with the number on the hydrometer float itself, showing this set to be completely original. The mercury thermometer appears to be on an bone backplate, it also carries the makers name and is still in good working order.
There is also a Loftus London 103 page hardback book of spirit tables, which although a little grubby, is in sound condition.
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case (230 x 103 x 53mm) lined in red silk & velvet, this is a fine example for the collector, not only completely original but in almost pristine condition. The underside of the case has a paper W R Loftus adjustment label which appears to be dated Feb 1916.
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SC1150 |
A unique Sikes hydrometer set bearing the name 'Flavelle Bros Ltd, Sydney & London'
Although the hydrometer carries the name of Flavelle Bros, I believe the set was manufactured in London specifically for them, probably by J Hicks of Hatton Garden who had a close association with the company, which may explain why the thermometer carries the name of J Hicks.
Flavelle Bros advertised themselves as Jewellers & Opticians, and direct importers from London & Paris.
Dating to circa 1900, this particular set is of the highest quality having two boxwood sliding proof rules, and weights individually marked with the serial number no 12632, which corresponds with the number on the hydrometer float itself.
There is a bone backed mercury thermometer on which is printed 'J Hicks 8, 9 & 10 Hatton Garden London', and is also in good condition, with no breaks in the mercury line.
This is an exceptional set, housed in a beautiful mahogany case lined in red velvet, it measures 250mm x 115mm, and just over 55mm in height.
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SC1119 |
This is a superb Sikes hydrometer manufactured by 'A. Aronsberg, 12 Victoria St, Manchester'. The maker is Aaron Aronsberg, eldest son of William Aronsberg and it dates to the latter part of the 19th century, around 1890. The weights are all present and individually marked with the same serial number, as that on the hydrometer float itself, showing this set to be completely original.
The bone backed mercury thermometer carries the makers name and is still in working order, all housed in a beautiful mahogany case, which measures 8" x 4" x 2". The lid is lined in red silk, which does have a small tear in the silk lining in the top right hand corner. Nevertheless, a nice early example in very good complete condition.
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SC853 |
This is a complete Sikes hydrometer set manufactured by F Palliser Ltd, Wolverhampton. The weights are all individually marked with the serial number no 71, which corresponds with the number on the hydrometer float itself, showing this set to be completely original. Both the hydrometer and the bone backed mercury thermometer also carry the makers name and all are in full working order.
Housed in a beautiful mahogany case lined in red silk & velvet, the silk lining in the lid is a little thread bare in places but is still quite presentable. The set dates to the latter part of the 19th century, and there is a calibration label stuck to the underside of the case, showing it was tested to Kew certified standards on May 17th 1928.
It measures 200mm x 92mm and is just over 50mm in height.
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SC1055 |
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