Unkown object

[John M0GLN]

Can anyone please help to identify an unknown object I have? Its solid brass and has the following writing stamped on the back.

Rabone Chesterman Made in England IP M9

The calibrations are in inches so it about 6" long x 1-1/8" diameter and it must be part of some specific apparatus, it can't be just a high class plumb bob. Attached photo below.

Thanks

John

   

[pwdrive]

Definately not a plumb bob, looks like the bottom end of a tank dipping tape, the tape would be attatched to the loop on the end.

Lawrence.

[camallison]

Definately not a plumb bob, looks like the bottom end of a tank dipping tape, the tape would be attatched to the loop on the end.

Lawrence.

Yep - that's what it is. The graduations also serve to indicate how much sludge is at the bottom of the tank by looking for smears on the weight.

Colin

[Tedzed1]

This seems to be similar, it is described as a Rabone Chesterman surveyor plumb bob tape rule measure, but I cannot find a lot of information on it.

   

[pwdrive]

We had similar at Geevor Mine, not sure what make though.

Lawrence.

[camallison]

We had them for dipping ocean-side oil tanks - with a bit of skill, it was possible to check the sludge/water and water/oil interface and, with a set of tables, known as strapping tables, work out the volume of oil in the tank. Now done with automatic gauges that work it all out for you. At least ours didn't need batteries or other power!

Colin

[John M0GLN]

That's briliant, thank you all for solving whats been puzzling me for a few months, even a photo of the complete item.

I bought it from a Bric-a-Brac stall in S Wales last year, it was in the 'all items £1 box', it's probably worth more than that as scrap brass, but I won't be scrapping it, it makes a nice paper weight.

Thanks again.

John