Fine mechanism of lacquered and gilt brass on a frosted gilt chassis. The substantial mechanism raised on four turned pillars, chassis-mounted signature and arrestor bars, compensation wheel to cross beam, swinging gate arm, Short & Mason’s single concertina-pattern pressure sensing capsule. The chassis with “Short & Mason” signature and “London,” British Meteorological Office serial no. “1785” and date code “52” for 1952. The drum, 5½” diameter and 7½” high, struck with Met Office logo, and “Standard Drum,” “Type O,” “Ref No. MET.2494.” Remote case-mounted clockwork drive by Gluck, the top plate struck “Gluck Barograph & Recorder Co. Ltd.,” “MET. 1715,” “0.95 rev per 7 days,” “MK.2A,” SER.No – Mo 15455:80.” Traditional base-mounted ink bottle with dipper. The whole maintained within its rosewood-framed case with bevelled glasses set on a Jappaned base raised upon gilt brass ball and claw feet.

This is a scarce, official British Meteorological Office pattern microbarograph offering approximately twice the resolution detail of a standard barograph trace, the term “micro” indicating much greater detail. This instrument, manufactured in 1952, was built to special order, almost certainly for a government official residence. No such other examples have been recorded. Small area of gilt loss to chassis, the recording arm with some slight distortion, the case with superficial minor marks.

Storm Doris, Shropshire, UK 24 Feb 2017

In perfect working order, and fully serviced, this Short & Mason microbarograph is of the finest quality and is highly sensitive, recording even the smallest fluctuations of barometric pressure.  It is extremely attractive and a real statement piece.

Dimensions: 17½” wide x 14″ high x 12″ deep

Stock No: BG0275

Price: SOLD