Wire Measurer

Written for Brought to Light by: Mary Harpas, Tamas Preston. Student Research Group: Mary Harpas, Tamas Preston.

For measuring wire length with dial readout. Painted black, cast metal base with four feet (two brackets - each bracket has two 'feet' each with a hole that would take a bolt or screw.). Three dials on front face each with an arrow, and numerals 0-9. 1234 118B-B3 painted on front bracket in yellow paint. 'University of Adelaide' at painted in much smaller letters at top of front face of the actual device, and 'Physics Depart.' lettered on front near bottom. '1234' in white paint on right side of front face.

This artefact is a replica of a John J. Waldmen Improved Wire Measuring Machine, an instrument of measurement produced in New York in the 1910s - 1920s.

Originally accompanied by a spool, winder, and crank, wire is fed through the rollers of the machine and measurements in feet are recorded in the 10s, 100s and 1000s on the dials (ascending).

The item was first accessioned in 1936, as evidenced by a label on the wheel. This implies that is was utilised by the physics department before this date.

Differences of material and potential accessories implies that this item is either a replica, or has undergone modifications and/or repairs. Although the font and hands used on the dials are identical to the authentic John J. Waldman machines, this machine has been fitted with a metal plate by the University concealing what may be a maker's mark or any other details of authenticity.