Name of the item: Meter
Date: 1908
Manufacturer: Kromschroeder, S.A.
Material: Cast iron
Registration number: CN. 11
Catalana de Gas Collection. Gas Museum
The meters started to be used in Spain in the late 19th century, although Englishman Samuel Clegg had invented it in 1815. But how do you think gas consumption was measured before? It was a really difficult task and a constant conflict between the company and the user because it was not possible to measure the exact volume of gas used. For example, to calculate the urban street lighting they had to take note of the duration and size of the flame in the lampposts.
This meter, as you can see, was not for water or oil (the most common until dry meters replaced them) but was a prior payment one that worked with coins and the amount of gas available depended on how much money was deposited in it.