Heat sensitive fire alarm invented by Anthony Iske (1831-1920). Patented by Iske on Aug. 19,1890.
Inside the wooden case, on alarm mechanism/movement, printed in black ink: "J.A. Neiss, Sr." There is also the key to wind the alarm, loose on the floor of the holder.
Anthony Iske was born in France and immigrated to the U.S. in 1847. He moved to Lancaster in 1853 and became an American citizen in 1858. Along with his son, Albert, he held over 200 patents. Most notable of his inventions was the first meat-slicing machine, a model of which is in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Heat Motor was designed to turn the energy held by heated water into rotational movement. Heating the water in the trough would cause the air in the submerged cylinders to rise. As the engine began to turn, the cylinders would rise above the water, the air inside would cool, and the cylinders would fall on the opposing side, adding to the circular motion of the engine.
Spring scale, cylindrical steel body with riveted end caps. Interior spring fixed at top end; heavy wire hook attached to bottom end protruding through hole in bottom cap. Indicator arrow attached to spring slides along slot in side that has a calibrated plate attached alongside. Markings indicate 0 to 24 lbs, with numerals 4, 8,12,16,20 and 24. Top cap is surmounted with a ring; additional iron ring attached for hanging.
All painted a glossy black except marked scale attached to body.
