Last February, we posted a blog about the manometer found next to the engine and how its scales were made of German silver (the same material that is possibly on the object Will discussed last week- see post of June 29).
Well, since this winter, more work was performed on this device and its treatment came to completion about a month ago.
Below are photos before and after treatment of the object showing how well the metal surface was preserved under the concretions, especially the scales inscriptions.
On the left the temperature scale goes from 102 to 180 degree F and one can read: “WmSewell Temperature John Powers ManufrNew York”.
On the right the pressure gauge goes from 28 to 15 inches of Hg (the atmospheric pressure is about 30 inches). For saturated steam (which was used here), pressure and temperature are related: to each pressure belongs a definite temperature of the water and vice and versa (this relationship is compiled in steam tables). This gauge was indicating the vacuum maintained in the condenser, i.e. the engine’s efficiency. Really neat piece.
Elsa, what a remarkable and beautiful job of cleaning, treating and preserving this piece. And also of learning what it was used for, amazing. I find it fascinating that these instruments were designed for a specific purpose, used every day, were sunken and buried for so long and you guys are able to restore these to their former beauty, the men who worked in that engine room would recognize these right away, and barring some disaster these will be around for future generations for who knows how long, 1000 years? I wonder if there are any other of these around anywhere, or if these are the only examples?
Hi Fran,
Yes this piece was beautifully preserved.
I tried briefly finding info about the manufacturer but have not had much success so far.
I talked to G. Hanley about that yesterday and we will have a closer look at it when he returns.
What I found out today though is that the name “Mr. Wm Sewell”, which is engraved on this device, also appears in an article of the “Scientific American” from 1850 about Marine Salinometer. A certain Mr. Wm. Sewell from Portsmouth, Va, invented the salinometer!
Now, whether this is the same person, not sure yet, but we will try to find out and will keep you informed.
Have a nice day! Elsa
This looks like a really fancy instrument for a warship. Were there others like this?
James,
Other measurement instruments were found like the engine’s steam gauge, register and clock (the latest containing German silver as well). In addition, small devices like salinometers were recovered. All in all, maybe half a dozen objects found were measurement devices.
Elsa
What a beautiful job you have done. I talked to Susanne when she first started on the Manometers-as she called them. Is the other one done ?
我只是发现了这个链接,所以我have a lot of catching up.
Thank you Rich! It is good to hear from you!
No, the other gauge mentioned by Susanne has not been treated yet.
I am currently working on the reservoir of this manometer. It is a whole other story than the gauge because it is mostly made of cast iron, a little bit of copper alloy and glass. Good time!