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Exceptional Collector’s Opportunity: A Guaranteed Matching & Dated Set.Unlike many \"composite\" sets found online that are pieced together, this is a fully matching serialized set. The serial number No. 23188 is clearly engraved on the main hydrometer stem, the bulb, and every single one of the nine brass weights.
Museum Provenance & Research:This instrument was crafted by the renowned Thomas O’Dempsey Buss, a successor to the legendary maker Bate. Similar instruments by T.O. Buss are held in prestigious international collections:
The Smithsonian Institution (National Museum of American History): A similar T.O. Buss thermometer/hydrometer marked \"33 Hatton Garden\" is held under Accession No. 1982.0620.01.
National Treasures (Ireland): Research identifies T.O. Buss instruments (similar to this No. 23188) as the gold standard used by Irish Revenue and Customs for measuring the ABV of spirits. You can find detailed historical context on this maker at the National Treasures Ireland archive under submission QDP9FM.
Verified Calibration Date: Nov 26, 1937The underside of the mahogany case retains its original T.O. BUSS paper label, dated Nov 26, 1937. It confirms the set was adjusted to the \"Kew Certified Standards\" at the 77 Clerkenwell Road address. Finding a set with this original \"pedigree\" paperwork intact is increasingly rare.
The Complete Set Includes:
Main Brass Hydrometer: Engraved \"SIKES No 23188\" and \"BUSS MAKER 33 HATTON GARDEN LONDON.\"
9 Matching Brass Weights: Stamped 10 through 90, each bearing the matching serial number.
Original Thermometer: Bone/ivory-backed mercury thermometer (30°–110°), signed by the maker.
Inlaid Mahogany Case: Original brass lid plaque and original velvet/satin lining.
Case: Sturdy construction with the rare 1937 paper label (approx. 80% intact and fully legible) on the base.
To verify the historical importance of this maker, I encourage collectors to search the Smithsonian National Museum of American History website for \'Accession No. 1982.0620.01\' or visit the National Treasures Ireland portal and search for submission \'QDP9FM\' for similar verified examples.
