Ayrton & Perry Ammeter, 1883-1890

01

Artifact Overview

Companies that generated and distributed electrical power in the late 1800s needed equipment to monitor and measure output. Apparatus used in scientific laboratories proved insufficient. Electrical engineers needed robust, rugged, and portable instruments that they could read quickly without performing complex calculations. William Ayrton and John Perry developed this direct reading ammeter among other measuring instruments for the new industry.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Ammeter

Date Made

1883-1890

Creator Notes

Latimer Clark, Muirhead & Company Limited manufactured Ayrton & Perry's meters.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

43.160.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Wood (Plant material)
Metal
Glass (Material)

Color

Black (Color)
White (Color)
Gold (Color)
Brown

Dimensions

Height: 4.75 in
Width: 5.25 in
Length: 5.25 in

Inscriptions

on dial: AYRTON & PERRY'S DIRECT READING SPRING AMMETER/ PATENTED 1883/ LATIMER CLARK, MUIRHEAD & CO. LD. WESTMINSTER/ NO A613
Ayrton & Perry Ammeter, 1883-1890