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Microscope Museum Collection of antique microscopes and other
scientific instruments |
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Abbe refractometer from Adam Hilger (mid-20th century)
Adam
Hilger introduced an Abbe refractometer around
1918. This item is one of such instruments produced by the company, dated
from the mid-20th century (Figure 1). The instrument is labelled with ‘HILGER
& WATTS, MADE IN ENGLAND’. The serial number is also engraved, ‘M46.17,
990’. Adam Hilger started his business in 1874.
After Adam’s death, in Brighton in 1897, his brother Otto took over the
business. The following year, in 1898, Frank Twyman joined the company, and
he took over as manager in 1902 when Otto died. The company was incorporated
as a limited company in 1904. Hilger's main
products were optical parts and specialized instruments such as
spectrometers. After the First World War, a significant holding in the
company was sold to T. Cooke and Sons but Twyman bought back the shares in
1926. In 1946, E.R. Watts acquired 78% of the company and, in 1948, Adam Hilger Ltd was amalgamated with E. R. Watts and Son as Hilger and Watts Ltd, which was incorporated as a public
company. The company was listed at 75a Camden Road, London, and 98 St.
Pancras Way, Camden Road, London.
Figure
1. Hilger and Watts’s refractometer as pictured in a 1956 catalogue
of Gallenkamp. |
