Self-Timing Anemometer

Fans of scientific instruments, mining memorabilia or Derby’s maker history are likely to be blown away by this object.

This self-timing anemometer was an essential piece of mining equipment, measuring the airflow within the mine that provided essential ventilation for the working miners and prevented a build-up of explosive gases. An important development on Biram’s patented design, the self-timing unit enabled airflow measurement without the need for a watch and a lamp to see it by, which would have made it a two-man job. This type of instrument was standard equipment within British coal mines from around 1880 into the 1980s.

This particular instrument was manufactured by John Davis & Son Ltd of Derby, a company established in the city during the 1840s that, from its earliest days through to the 1960s, produced mining equipment such as this. Davis of Derby continue to this day, supplying the mining industry with high technology electronic measurement, monitoring and control systems.