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Sale Ends February 19th, 2026 - Shop Now
Details
Description
A boxed hydrometer (serial no.16234) with all parts, includes thermometer, ten weights and float, in fitted case.
Top plate marked: …
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A boxed hydrometer (serial no.16234) with all parts, includes thermometer, ten weights and float, in fitted case.
Top plate marked: "Sikes' Hydrometer, Riddels Limited. Belfast."
In 1802, the English Board of Excise held a competition to find the best instrument for revenue purposes - the winning design was that of Bartholomew Sikes, a peripatetic London employee of the excise commissioners. Sikes's hydrometer was enshrined in legislation in 1816 with the Sikes Hydrometer Act and remained the legal standard until 1907.
The Sikes hydrometer was used to determine the strength of spirits for the distiller, victualler and tax collector alike, and worts both before and after fermentation for the brewer, providing an accurate method of determining Alcohol proof, strength, percentages and duties thereof.
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- Dimensions
- 8ʺW × 4ʺD × 2.75ʺH
- Styles
- English
- Period
- 19th Century
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Brass
- Copper
- Glass
- Velvet
- Wood
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Brown
- Condition Notes
- Fine antique condition - Wear commensurate with age and use - See accompanying photos Fine antique condition - Wear commensurate with age and use - See accompanying photos less
Starting at 20% Off
Sale Ends February 19th, 2026 - Shop Now
Questions about the item?
Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
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