Galvanometer

Object number2019.164.1

Manufacturer Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company (1886 - 1945)

Datec. 1890

MediumMetal; Marble; Glass; Fabric (?); Asbestos (?)

Credit LineGift of Dorothy Cribbs

DescriptionRectangular galvanometer encased in glass and attached to a rectangular marble base.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 17 × 10 × 5 in. (43.2 × 25.4 × 12.7 cm)
Inscriptions“lower” printed on left side of metal plate, and “upper” printed on right side.
MarksWESTINGHOUSE ELEC. & M’F’G CO. / PITTSBURGH, PA / PATENTED / LANGE JUL 12’87 JUL.31’88 / AUG.12’90/ LANGE & SHALLENBERGER / JULY 12’87”.

Carved into marble: “4846.”
Historical NotesA galvanometer or ammeter made by Westinghouse Electric & Manufaturing Co. Once electricity could be generated and distributed effectively, businesses and residences could be charged for the power. Companies such as Westinghouse began to develop both instruments to measure and control power used by a home or business and new products powered by electricity. Electrical engineer Oliver Shallenberger solved the major issue of how to measure alternating current. In 1887 he patented an induction meter to track current and ensure that it maintained a stable level. This wall-mounted meter is one of the earliest known products from Westinghouse Electric.

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