An unusual and scarce five-glass brass disc recording aneroid barometer or barograph c1910

Barograph having conventional Vidie pattern movement driven from twin nickel alloy 2¾” soldered capsules tensioned on a C spring, the bridge with “Pen Setting” adjustment, the movement raised over a full length chassis on three columns and comprising levers and drop links, the cross beams secured with blued steel screws. The recording arm with swinging gate suspension.

The 6½” diameter recording disc having circumferentially positioned paper fixing spines, central clamping knurled nut, the clockwork enclosed in a circular drum case to verso with dismounting and fixing knurled knob. The printed paper chart with “Reg No. 525325” to centre. Chassis mounted arrestor bar, ink station with bottle and dipper. All mounted on a medium oak plinth set on curved slab feet, frieze draw under and lift off cover with bevelled glasses.

Condition: The subject of comprehensive restoration and conservation, the instrument entirely stripped and re-built with a bespoke replacement arm. The oak plinth and cover framework re-lacquered. The brass parts and lacquer to chassis and movement remaining original, the disc and associated components re-lacquered. The clockwork mechanism professionally serviced. Calibrated and essentially now in good working condition, see performance chart from dynamic test.

As with almost all antique barographs, in order to bring them into good working order a considerable amount of work is required, and this instrument has been no exception.

Comments: The recording format is unusual, strikingly different to the conventional drum, the advantage being that a whole week’s values may be assessed at a glance, important for forecasting and trend recognition. The chart’s registered design number leads to a date of 1908.

The instrument displays well, its obviously unusual arrangement enhancing the aesthetic impact of these most attractive instruments.

One for the collector.

NB: The barograph will be supplied with a quantity of charts and ink.