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Other Vintage Household Electrical or Electromechanical Items For discussions about other vintage (over 25 years old) electrical and electromechanical household items. See the sticky thread for details. |
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28th Feb 2014, 11:18 am | #1 |
Retired Dormant Member
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ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
Hello All
I've begun to build up a little collection of these nice old Bakelite domestic thermometers and would really like to find out more information about the different models, when they were produced and which are more common than others. (see example pics) If anyone has any old ROTOTHERM information, catalogs, etc…, I would be very grateful for any scanned info or web links. Many thanks |
28th Feb 2014, 11:32 am | #2 |
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
If you're collecting these, I have a Crane Rototherm clip on model, probably dating back to 1970, which you're welcome to. Chrome bezel, 65mm dia, 50 to 250 deg F and no Centigrade scale.
Just applied it to my coffee mug and it works.
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28th Feb 2014, 1:15 pm | #3 |
Dekatron
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
Nice, aren't they? I've had three dotted around the premises for some 20 years or so, all sharing the form of the black one you illustrate, but two are cream in colour and the one that is black has 'Atlas Copco' printed toward the front of its pedestal: presumably a gift to that company's customers. I think I've a walnut bakelite one hiding somewhere too. Green is probably more scarce but examples do appear now and then.
I've not seen much by way of information, so will be interested too in anything anyone may share. The patent number, 378314, dates I think from 1932-3. I tend to agree with Rototherm about the position of the 'Comfort Zone', though it's rarely experienced in this old house between November and March! Paul Last edited by Paul_RK; 28th Feb 2014 at 1:23 pm. |
28th Feb 2014, 1:22 pm | #4 |
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
Is there anything electro- about these? They look like purely mechanical devices, though the whole thing does look a bit like a meter.
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28th Feb 2014, 1:34 pm | #5 |
Dekatron
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
Nothing at all, but I suppose they more resemble non-electric clocks (discussion allowed) than they do any of the items ruled out in the sticky. One for the moderators perhaps, though there can't be much peril of the forum being overrun by Rototherm aficionados. The mouldings used seem most likely to catch the eye of some few radio enthusiasts who develop an interest in bakelite, and there is at least a functional mechanical aspect.
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28th Feb 2014, 2:03 pm | #6 |
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
I must admit that this did cross my mind regards posting as I tend to spend most of my time over in the Telephone section of this site, where Bakelite is a common topic. Apologies.
Station X thank you for your generosity! I'll PM you my details. Thanks to everyone else for your feedback! |
28th Feb 2014, 2:25 pm | #7 |
Dekatron
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
Company still going strong, apparently: http://www.rototherm.co.uk/
Nice image of 3 in different colours here: http://estore.eclipse.net.uk/WebRoot...-rototherm.gif |
28th Feb 2014, 2:56 pm | #8 |
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
The model of #2 could be used in pairs for balancing central heating radiators in the days before thermostatic valves became common. I bought a pair for this purpose circa 1975 but lent one to someone, so only have the one now, and have lost the endless coiled spring that was used to attach it to the pipe. While wholly mechanical, they can be useful for calibrating electrical items such as irons and ovens.
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21st Apr 2014, 12:54 am | #9 |
Hexode
Join Date: May 2005
Location: London 90% , Northwest England 10%
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
Mother reminded me the other day that her brother worked at Rototherm around the late 50s/60s when they were mostly based in Merton- I should have a period ad from them in a council yearbook on one of the bookshelves.
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22nd Apr 2014, 7:27 pm | #10 |
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
Whyperion
Any info you can find would be fantastic! I would love to find any old catalogue information from Rototherm from the 30s, 40s and 50s on the different models available, case colours, dial colours, etc… Thanks again |
7th Aug 2015, 3:26 pm | #11 |
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
Did you manage to find anything more about Rototherm's history?
I have a totally unique looking desktop Rototherm thermometer here which is cased in dark acrylic, has a brown circular face with a white dial, gold font, and a comfort zone in stark red. Looks quite old, my guess 60's or 70's. So if you managed to find a catalogue then I would love to know if that particular one is there. I've used Google as much as I can in order to find my particular one, and there is not even one image that comes close to matching it. So this is going to be tough. |
7th Aug 2015, 9:34 pm | #12 |
Nonode
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
History here http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/British_Rototherm_Co
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8th Aug 2015, 2:03 pm | #13 |
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Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
Thanks for that new link, although still nothing specific about the one I have here. Anyway I've got a photo so you can see what I mean
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10th Aug 2015, 8:16 pm | #14 |
Heptode
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
My unused industrial type.
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1st Sep 2015, 12:37 am | #15 |
Hexode
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Re: ROTOTHERM Thermometers Info?
Merton Historical Society in 2014 , Councillor John Sergeant recalls his mothers employment at the Station Road, Merton Abbey Works from 1929 to 1974
http://www.mertonhistoricalsociety.o...y/Bull190X.pdf |