Early 1800s Sikes’ Hydrometer in Wooden and Bone Case

Early 1800s Sikes hydrometer for measuring the alcoholic proof of spirits. It is in its original wooden, velvet- and silk-lined box with a gorgeous bone plaque on the exterior featuring hand-stamped details of the noted makers and mention of the 1816 Act of Parliament: “Sikes’s hydrometer made by Dring & Fage of No 20 Tooley St London and established by Act of Parliament throughout the United Kingdom”

The interior includes the hydrometer and weights, all with serial number ‘1673’, and a thermometer. The latter is on a bone base and stamped with the makers J Long of Tower St London.

Some of the weighted measures are missing but otherwise this is in truly excellent condition.

A rare, early 1800s (c. 1816-1840) example of this precision scientific instrument.

Length of box approximately 20 cm