Object Record
Images
Additional Images [6]
Metadata
Object Name |
Instrument, Biological |
Collection |
Oil Museum of Canada Collection |
Catalog Number |
OMC 2022.002.079 a - k |
Other Name |
Water Finder |
Date |
1910s |
Description |
Water finder made by W. Mansfield & Co. in Birkinhead, England. Serial #80888. The principle on which the instrument works is the measuring of the strength of the electrical currents which are constantly flowing between the earth and atmosphere, and which are always strongest in the vicinity of subterranean water courses. Pieces (a - h) are contained in a leather box (i) and piece (j) is contained in a leather cylinder (k). a). Mahogany upright wood box with brass corners. It has a leather strap handle attached to the sides with a brass button. A piece of sliding glass covers the opening at the top which reveals a compass on a white dial and the company's name, 'W. Mansfield & Co., Birkinhead, England'. b). Square piece of mahogany wood with brass strips on the corners. A round brass plate in screwed onto one side with a threaded centre. On the other side is a level bubble in the centre and a slender brass strip inlaid from side to side, It fits into tripod piece (j). c). A brass knob stamped with a '7' and threaded on the other end, that can be screwed into piece (b) and (j). d). A compass in a brass case with an attached ring the same size as the compass. A clip is attached to the ring with black thread. e). A round piece of mahogany veneer with a pin hole in the middle f - h). Three identical pieces. A wood case with a hinged brass strip that can be opened to reveal a compartment to hold a compass arm. There are three compass arms altogether. One is on the apparatus and the other two are in (g) and (h). (f and g) are stamped 'W1' and (h) is stamped '03'. i). Large upright leather box which contain pieces (a - h). It has a leather handle at the top of the lid and leather belts that are buckled to the front and two sides. The lid pivots at the back side. It is covered with dark blue felt on the inside. j) Tripod with silver colour legs and a round brass base with a threaded centre which b) and c) can screw into. k) Brown leather cylindrical case with a leather lid which holds the tripod. Duct tape is holding the lid on the case. |
Provenance |
Acquired by Rawlings Drilling Co. The donor's husband, Stewart, was the grandson of International Driller, George Rawlings. After 26 years working internationally, George returned and joined his father-in-law in 1932, Mr. Stover, in his drilling business, Stover Drilling Co. in the Chatham area. After the death of Mr. Stover it became the Rawlings Drilling Co. Stewart and his father, Frank, followed in the family business. MANSFIELD, W., & CO., Consulting Engineers and Well Boring Engineers, Creewood Buildings, Brunswick Street, Liverpool. Hours of Business: 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Established in 1900 by W. Mansfield, the present principal. Premises: Extensive. Branches: Yenangyat, Promo and Eastern Boronga. Business: Consulting Engineers for many important irrigation projects. Pioneers of Long Staple Cotton Growing in Burma. Owners of Oil and Mineral properties; Well Boring Engineers. Patent: Mansfield's Automatic Water and Oil Finders. |
Dimensions |
H-45 W-27 L-29 Dia-30 cm |
Search Terms |
Oil Industry Instrument Apparatus Water Oil Oil & Gas Exploration Oil Drilling Site Rawlings Drilling Company |