Yankee Gauges

[Tinker]

I was going through one of my fathers old tool boxes and found a couple gauges that I have not been able to locate any information. Gauge has a 1927 Pat. date.

Anyone have any information that they could share?

Posted on the T thread as well.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Judging by the volt scale I'd say they were used for checking a home lighting plant. Most of the homes and farms that weren't yet on the grid had some kind of home lighting plant, either a wind generator or a gas generator, that put out 32 volts. You could buy electric toasters, vaccum cleaners, irons, bulbs, fans, and many other electrical items in 32 volts. Some boats still use 32 volt bulbs.

Of course the amp guage doesn't care about volts and it can be used to check the amp draw of your Model A 6 volt headlights, or a 32 volt fan in the old farmhouse, or many other items.

 

[Tinker]

Thanks Tom. It was in an ol' wood toolbox from the farm. My father gave it to me when he passed and it was also my grandfathers. Lots of wrenches and other neat stuff. I also found a pair of rad/gas caps in great shape for my A.

I kind of thought they might be test gauges.

Thanks again. Wish I could find more info somewhere.

 

[Dan R]

Hello: They were used in for checking batteries for your 1920's battery radio. That is why there is a mark at 45 volts. Here is a site that may help. http://www.stevenjohnson.com/testers-misc.htm Regards, Dan R.

 

[Tinker]

Dan, that is very helpful. The everready meter has the same ends as the yankees I have. At first I thought they might be motorcycle test gauges, as yankee made some gauges for motorcycles. So basically they would be battery meters.