grain trader. He came to Australia in 1966 but never used it in this country. It has no Western Australian connections. The density or hardness of any kind of grain is important because the harder the grain the more suitable it is for baking as it absorbs less water therefore harder grains command higher prices on the market. The wooden base needs to be on a flat surface and the legs adjusted until it is level. The brass legs with the red bar are then fitted onto the brass posts set into the base. The calibrated weight scale fits across the red bar. The small red hook is suspended from the right hand side of the weight scale. The brass canister with the carry handle fits onto the bottom of the container with the release mechanism at the bottom. Grain is poured into this top part and when it is full the bottom trap is opened so that a controlled fall of grain is let into the bottom container. When the flow of grains stops the lower canister is full. The triangularly pointed blade is inserted in the gap between the tow containers to level off the amount in the bottom one. The top container is then removed and the bottom canister full of grain is weighed on the scale. Scale is graduated to weigh 100 grams, 10 milligrams, and 1 milligram so it can supply an accurate reading. A typical sample weight would be about 87 - 88 grams which would be a high density grain. The principle of the device is that the controlled drop of the grain into the lower canister and the levelling process using the blade ensures consistency of sample size. The instructions in French on the top part of the canister assembly read: `HAVING CARE OF' or BE CAREFUL TO, `1. Level off grain content, 2. Hold with left hand and insert cutting blade with smooth movement. 3. Weigh contents exactly.' The carrying case is compartmentalised to hold the various components of the device. It is lined with patterned paper and constructed of wood and appears to be covered with a brown coloured paper material.
Department:
History DepartmentCollection
History Collection
Collection Item Data
| Accession Number: | H1992.339 |
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| Accession Date: | 27 Oct 1992 |
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Material
| Wood/Wood | Wood, steel, brass, paint, paper
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Measurement
| height | 400mm | Machine assembled |
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