Antique Decorative Commercial Weston Ammeter made by Weston Electrical Instrument Company - Newark N.J. U.S.A. c1905

Here on offer is an original antique commercial Weston Ammeter, made by Weston Electrical Instrument Company of Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A., circa1905.

This is a heavy cast iron, circular-shaped, surface mount, commercial switchboard ammeter gauge.

It was made in the U.S.A. but was used in the UK, as it still retains the “DIRECTIONS” label on the back that was issued by the Weston Electrical Instrument Co. Audery House, Ely Place, Holborn, E.C.

This fine example has an ornate and finely detailed removable faceplate that seems to have been cast from copper, that has then been nickel plated.

It retains its original recessed clear glass viewing panel, that protects the painted metal scale and delicate pointer needle. The scale reads from 0 to 10 amps and has the gauges serial number hand written in the lower left hand corner, that matches the number 58709, stamped on the faceplate.

A brass plaque is also pinned to the faceplate that shows the patented and design patent dates for this type of gauge, they range from Nov 6th 1888 to July 16th 1901. I would imagine this example was therefore made at the start of the 20th century, around 1905.

The cylindrical-shaped cast iron housing has been painted gloss black and now shows signs of paint loss, but it could be repainted if you want to restore it to its original finish? I prefer to leave it as it is now, it shows its true age.

On the lower edge are the two cast brass positive and negative terminals, that are isolated from the steel body by a rectangular Bakelite block.

Ammeters are measuring instruments used to measure the electric current in a circuit and are measured in amperes, hence the name they used. For this gauge.

Early ammeters were laboratory instruments which relied on the earth's magnetic field for operation, but by the late 19th century, improved instruments were designed which could be mounted in any position and allowed accurate measurements in electric power systems.

The Weston Ammeter is "moving iron" type, which uses a piece of iron that moves when acted upon by the electromagnetic force of a fixed coil of wire (mounted behind the detachable faceplate). The iron element consists of a moving vane attached to pointer and fixed vane surrounded by the coil.


Some history relating to the Weston Electrical Instrument Company:

Edward Weston (May 9, 1850 – August 20, 1936) was an English-born American chemist noted for his achievements in electroplating and his development of the electrochemical cell, named the Weston cell, for the voltage standard. Weston was a competitor of Thomas Edison in the early days of electricity generation and distribution and is best known for his designs and the manufacturing of precision electrical measuring instruments for laboratories and industry. He formed The Weston Electrical Instrument Company and developed an instrument to accurately measure current. From there, Weston Electrical Instruments went on to manufacture precision voltmeters, ammeters, watt meters, light meters, and many other instruments for laboratory, industrial, and commercial use.

Early Weston Industrial Ammeters from the 1800s:

Weston produced a large number of panel meters through the years. The most popular of these are the large ornate industrial meters from the late 1800s. At six inches or larger in diameter these ammeters were used in factories, in power plants, railways and on board ships. Many have a plate in the middle of the face listing several patent dates and will usually have large threaded posts or copper blades protruding from the back for connection to an electrical system. These gauges are now highly sought after by collectors as impressive display items, particularly those with elaborate faceplate designs, such as this example.

The faceplate shows some loss of plating and background blackening. The main body also shows loss of paint and some light surface rusting, but is in true untouched condition and makes a great display piece!


The faceplate measures 6.6” (6.7cm) diameter and it is 3.75” (9.5cm) deep.

It weighs a very heavy 4Kg, so the postage charges will be high.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51596