Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter

Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter. 1930-1950. Includes two baffles and a case.

This Benjamin Model B lightmeter dates from around the 1940s and was intended for measuring the brightness of room lighting – particularly in workplaces. It was sold by the Benjamin Electric Co, of Tottenham, who specialised in workplace lighting, but made by Weston Electrical of Surrey, England.

This particular example was used by Percy Skipworth and his son Reg Skipworth, owners of the small electrical contractor S Charlesworth & Co in Oldham, Greater Manchester, much of whose business was for textile mills.

Such meters were promoted with the idea that the correct level of lighting would boost worker productively. It is activated by light falling onto the circular sensor, generating a current that causes the needle on the dial to move. On the back is a table of lighting levels thought suitable for different sorts of workplace.

Details

Category:
Electricity Supply
Object Number:
2024-388
Materials:
plastic (unidentified), metal (unknown), glass, lead, asbestos, electronic components and leather
Measurements:
overall: 40 mm x 70 mm x 120 mm,
type:
lightmeter

Parts

Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter

Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter

Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter. 1930-1950.

More

This Benjamin Model B lightmeter dates from around the 1940s and was intended for measuring the brightness of room lighting – particularly in workplaces. It was sold by the Benjamin Electric Co, of Tottenham, who specialised in workplace lighting, but made by Weston Electrical of Surrey, England.

This particular example was used by Percy Skipworth and his son Reg Skipworth, owners of the small electrical contractor S Charlesworth & Co in Oldham, Greater Manchester, much of whose business was for textile mills.

Such meters were promoted with the idea that the correct level of lighting would boost worker productively. It is activated by light falling onto the circular sensor, generating a current that causes the needle on the dial to move. On the back is a table of lighting levels thought suitable for different sorts of workplace.

Measurements:
overall: 35 mm x 70 mm x 120 mm,
Materials:
plastic (unidentified) , metal (unknown) , glass , lead , asbestos , electronic components and copper (metal)
Object Number:
2024-388/1
type:
lightmeter
Case for Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter

Case for Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter

Case for Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter.

More

This case for a Benjamin Model B lightmeter dates from around the 1940s. It was sold by the Benjamin Electric Co, of Tottenham.

Measurements:
overall: 50 mm x 80 mm x 125 mm,
Materials:
metal (unknown) and leather
Object Number:
2024-388/2
type:
case - container
Baffles for Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter

Baffles for Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter

Baffle for Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter. 1930-1950.

More

This baffle, also known as a mulitplyer, fitted over the light sensor of a Benjamin Model B lightmeter to reduce its sensitivity for measuring higher lighting levels.

Measurements:
overall: 3 mm 40 mm,
Materials:
metal (unknown)
Object Number:
2024-388/3
type:
baffles
Baffles for Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter

Baffles for Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter

Baffles for Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter. 1930-1950.

More

This baffle, also known as a mulitplyer, fitted over the light sensor of a Benjamin Model B lightmeter to reduce its sensitivity for measuring higher lighting levels.

Measurements:
overall: 3 mm 40 mm,
Materials:
metal (unknown)
Object Number:
2024-388/4
type:
baffles
Cardboard Box for Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter

Cardboard Box for Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter

Baffles for Benjamin 'Model B' Lightmeter. 1930-1950.

More

This box stored a Benjamin Model B lightmeter.

Measurements:
overall: 60 mm x 100 mm x 140 mm,
Materials:
cardboard
Object Number:
2024-388/5
type:
box - container