The Dobbie McInnes Indicator Patented Design No 2

Steam Engine Horsepower Indicator Gauges

 Boxed Set of Two w/ Accessories

 German Language Instruction Manual

Early 1900s

Item Description  

Here is a nice set of double Dobbie McInnes Steam Engine Horsepower Indicators for your buying consideration.  A rare offering here.  Have not come across a case with two indicators in it with the research we have done of museum site and other offerings online.  Only double set we are coming across!  Would make a great gift or keep for yourself!

This Vintage Scientific Instrument is being offered to you at a price below what you would see in a fine gallery or auction house.   We can do that by being a dealer in such instruments for over 40 years, better controlling our acquisition costs, keeping commission costs low (if applicable), and finally, we don't have the overhead that fine galleries and auction houses have.

The units have "The McInnes Dobbie Indicator Patented Design No 2." incised on the two larger units in the case.  Interesting in how the names are in a different order than the company name, so probably one of their earlier units.  The instructions in German hat come with the set are for a Rosenkranz unit that appears similar to this one.

Made by Dobbie McInnes of Glasgow, England.  This company made such equipment from 1921 to 1937.  However, did find a 1900 article showing a diagram of these same units.  A single engine one is up online on the Great Britain Ebay site for almost $1,200.

What you see in the pics is what you are buying.  Cannot say if all the pieces are here or not.  No guarantee that these instruments are in operating condition.

The case is made of wood and has a dark brown stain to the finish on it.  Looks like a mahogany wood.  The top is securely attached to the case by the hinge.  The foldout right hinge on the right unit is missing a couple of the screws.

The lock is still with the wood case, and the  key comes with it.  Even comes with the paper instructions for the unit which are in the German language.  Has some whitish stuff on the side of the case the key goes into the lock.  The wood there is still OK.

The Steam Engine Indicator case is about 6" tall, by 11.75" across, by 9-7/8" wide.  Let us know if you have any questions or need additional pictures.  Don’t be shy to make an offer, we are always open to reasonable suggestions.  

Some general information about a steam engine indicator and how it operates;

A Steam Engine Indicator consists of a large steel piston with two grooves; a brass cylinder and aluminum body; an internal spring, a light aluminum drum with a spiral spring and a single record; and a brass stylus.

An engine indicator is an instrument for graphically recording the pressure versus piston displacement through an engine stroke cycle. Engineers use the resulting diagram to check the design and performance of the engine.

A mechanical indicator consists of a piston, spring, stylus, and recording system. The gas pressure of the cylinder deflects the piston and pushes against the spring, creating a linear relationship between the gas pressure and the deflection of the piston against the spring. The deflection is recorded by the stylus on a rotating drum that is connected to the piston. Most indicators incorporate a mechanical linkage to amplify the movement of the piston to increase the scale of the record.

When the ratio of the frequency of the pressure variation to the natural frequency of the system is small, then the dynamic deflection is equal to the static deflection. To design a system with a high natural frequency, the mass of the piston, spring, stylus, and mechanical linkage must be small, but the stiffness of the spring must be high. The indicator is subjected to high temperatures and pressures and rapid oscillations, imposing a limitation on the reduction in mass. Too stiff a spring will result in a small displacement of the indicator piston and a record too small to measure with accuracy. Multiplication of the displacement will introduce mechanical ad dynamic errors.

The parameters of the problem for designing an accurate and trouble free recorder are such that there is no easy or simple solution. Studying the variety of indicators in the collection shows how different inventors made different compromises in their designs.

The pictures provided both complement and supplement the listing description, so please look at them very closely as well.  With old items, there is no way one can capture all the little imperfections in words, so the two media are meant to be the full description.  

Make sure that this item meets your needs and requirements before deciding to acquire it.   The item can be returned, there is a 15% fee of the Item Cost, plus 115% of both Shipping Costs to do so.  So, please carefully review all the attached pictures, ask all the questions you have, come see in person or send a friend to see the item on your behalf, prior to deciding to acquire it.  

Please check out our other Timeless Tokens store listings as we are regularly adding new items.  We specialize in antique and vintage artwork, books, collectibles, furniture, musical instruments, paper ephemera, marine/nautical, and clocks.  Thanks for your business. (K22006).

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Welcome to Timeless Tokens, our online store, offering antiques, collectibles, and conventional merchandise for every need and occasion.  Timeless Token represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream ~ to create a business that allows us pursue our passion for finding unique collectibles and everyday items that can be shared with and appreciated by all.

 

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