Hydrometer for the 19-Set
 

I have seen two versions of this item: one that fits in a rather POSH looking wooden box, and the second (perhaps a slightly smaller item) that stores in a simple cardboard tube, either blue or grey, with an instruction label glued on the outside.

Were these only issued/needed when the 19-Set was installed in a Command or Signals Vehicle where portable batteries were an issue?

And are the two types fully interchangeable, wherever needed?

David

I have the civilian (I think) equivalent of the wooden box one. This incorporates a thermometer, so is rather more useful than the "standard" model.

I also have one in a metal cylinder, which I think is the usual "issue" type - it arrived in a "Bags, Aerial Gear" with most of the 34/20-ft mast kit and a set of stays/rigging that I'd never seen before: with glass "shell" insulators instead of the usual Bakelite "Chain Link" type and a multi-section aerial on a US-style winder
Hydrometers appeared in the WS52 station kit, I'm not sure about the WS19...

...Ah: Canadian "Set & Standard Kit" has "Hydrometer, Sec. Cell, Portable, Canadian Mk.I" listed. I'm fairly sure it wasn't standard for British sets.

A lot of British units were supplied with freshly-charged batteries on a regular basis (along with rations, ammunition & mail, etc.), rather than having their own charging set (which might give their position away), so hydrometers would not be needed in that setup.

Chris.

Hi Chris.

Nice find on the hydrometer in the wooden case. The Canadian version I have only ever seen drawings of so it is difficult to determine the size of it. The ID for is shows up in references as ZB/CAN 0641

The other version, which I am guessing now is probably the British one, I have only ever seen packed in a cardboard tube as shown. The ID for it is ZB 11065.

Been tempted to pick one up from time to time for my Mk III Cdn, which is a Truck and Ground Installation unit.

David