This consists of a flat metal plate with three cylindrical tubes affixed perpendicularly to it. The plate has small holes at the corners and middle of the sides so it can be screwed onto something.
Each of the tubes is fitted to a hole cut in the metal plate by three brass screws; there is a fourth hole that has no tube attached. Between the four holes, there is another component also affixed perpendicularly to the plate, although not to a hole. This is broader near the plate and narrows in a curved way. At the end of it, there is a six-sided nut with a small screw emerging from it. Atop this, there is a narrow tube with an opening at the end with a threaded interior.
Each of the three tubes is very similar to one another. Closer to the plate, they are painted black and broader. Slotted inside these broader tubes are slightly narrower brass tubes, each of which is the same length and is covered at one end by a glass window with a glass lens just beyond. Each of these tubes has a rack gear along one side and can be moved in and out by a large ridged screw knob on the lower black portion of the tube. A smaller screw knob present on two of the tubes allows the tubes to be fixed in place.
Accession Number: 2019.ast.263
Alternative Name:
Metal: Iron Alloy, Metal: Copper Alloy, Glass.
Engraved on the plate and enamelled in white: “Made by
J. FRANK RAW Co Ltd
TORONTO”
Height = 18, Width = 20.5, Length = 25.5.
Function:
Very Good: The metal plate has been repainted black at some point following the instrument’s construction, and is in good condition, with only small scratches and marks on its surface. It is not clear if the empty hole in the plate ever had a tube attached. The brass parts of the tube are somewhat oxidized and discoloured. The lenses and windows are very dirty but in good condition.
Associated Instruments: 2019.ast.264.1-2
Manufacturer: J. Frank Raw Co. Ltd, Toronto
Date of Manufacture: Early-Mid 20th Century
This artifact was collected from a room marked “Instrument Room” on the 15th story of the McLennan Physical Laboratory, U of T in November 2019, along with two other objects (2019.ast.264.1-2). Prior to its collection, its history is unknown, but it may have been constructed for an instrument at the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill.
From 1930, J. Frank Raw Co. Ltd was located in a purpose-built building at No. 103 Church Street, Toronto. The building was constructed by Toronto architect Murray Brown, along with A.G. Elton. It won a number of architectural awards for its design. (<a href=https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/en/oha/details/file?id=3378>Ontario Heritage Foundation By-Law No. 35-86</a>.)
Historical Notes:
Themes: