Title

Weston Ammeter Model 1

Manufacturer

Weston Electrical Instruments

Manufacturer Notes

Edward Weston founded the Weston Electrical Instruments Company in 1888. The company manufactured electrical testing equipment and meters. Edward Weston was an rival of Thomas Edison in the early development of electricity. The company’s innovations included the Weston standard cell, the first accurate portable voltmeters and ammeters, and the first portable lightmeter. (Source: The Weston Museum at the New Jersey Institute of Technology).

Category

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Sub-Category

ELECTRICAL AND MAGNETIC TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Start Date

1943

Description

Part A is a square shaped black case for the ammeter. It has a leather strap that is held together by a buckle across the top. The lid is closed by a metal clasp that requires a key to unlock. The key is tied to the case at the top. Part B is the ammeter. It is square, made of black metal and is supported by four feet. On the top are three silver adjustment dials. There is a measurement scale with an indicating needle covered by class. A plate on the front of the ammeter reads: "WESTON ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENTS CORP / MODEL 1 NO 53645 / NEWARK. N.J. U.S.A." Part C is a small paper certification card for the Ammeter. It repeats the serial number for the instrument, and in handwriting indicates the resistance, Ampere Range, temperature that would need to be known by someone using the ammeter. The certification is dated 1943. Part D is a paper envelope in which the certification card is held. The serial number 53645 is repeated on this envelope.

History Of Use

An ammeter (from Ampere Meter) is a measuring instrument used to measure the current in a circuit.

Number Of Parts

3

Accession No.

1986.35.2 a-d

Type of Record

Museum Artifact

Less detail