TitleElliott portable standard Mil-Ammeter, No. 122434 Date2nd May 1916About this objectThis analogue device is one of two mil-ammeters in the La Perouse Museum collection. It measures small electrical currents in milliamperes – one-thousandth of an ampere. Ammeters and mil-ammeters like this were widely used for quality control, calibration and scientific research in the 20th century, before being gradually replaced by digital meters. Mil-ammeters provided reliable and precise readings essential in early electrical engineering, including calibrating telecommunications equipment, monitoring electrical power systems and supporting technical training. Its portable design allowed it to function outside the laboratory, ensuring dependable field performance.
Established in the early 19th century, Elliott Brothers (London) Ltd. began as a maker of drawing instruments. By the mid-1800s, the company was manufacturing electrical instruments, and later amalgamating with Theiler & Co., telegraph and instrument makers. The Lewisham site of the company was established as Century Works in 1900 – as noted on the label inside the lid – marking the start of making speedometers and instruments for ships and aircraft. The trading name of Elliott Brothers disappeared in 1988, when the business was absorbed into what is now BAE Systems.Object No.99.80CreatorElliott Bros. Inscriptions & marksOn the scale: Elliott Direct Current Milli-Ammeter No. 122434
On folding panel:
Elliott Portable Standard Mil-Ammeter No. 122434
This Instrument in calibrated in International milliamperes, and if properly used its readings may be relied upon to within 0.2%. It is provided with our temperature compensating device, and its indications, therefore, are independent of temperature variations. Resistance at
Resistance at … International ohms.
Standardized by Elliot Brothers, Century Works, Lewisham, S.E. (LONDON) LIMITED
Date 2nd May 1916 / Certified W. Smith.Place madeLondonSourceLa Perouse MuseumOn displayNoTypeMuseum objectsOrganisations (Detailed entries)La Perouse Museum (La Perouse, N.S.W.)ThemesScience and communicationRelated objects99.73
