Old hydrometer

[Beer soup]

I've been going through some of my grandfather's old stuff, and came across all his old home brew equipment.

This is his hydrometer, and I was wondering if anyone has ever used one like this before? Any thoughts on the shape and being plastic could effect accuracy?

Lots of hidden gems in his cupboard, including some yeast which could be older than I am.

 

[Galena]

I did see a post on a facebook group with somebody using something similar

 

[chrisb8]

I believe older hydrometers may be calibrated to a different temperature than modern ones (which are generally 20C) so this may have to be taken into account

 

[Polcho]

Pop it in some water at 20c, see what it reads.

 

[Beer soup]

After some more digging I found the instructions. Says it is calibrated for 15°c, but there should be no significant variation up to 20.

Tried it in some water and it seems to work. I will have a brew ready in a few days to test it against, but will still use my normal glass one.

Think I just like the idea of giving an old bit of equipment a new lease of life. An ode to my grandfather's years of crazy brews.