Short & Mason barograph and barometer principally of lacquered brass construction. Conventional eight day drum recorder with good quality guarded original platform escapement, captive winding key and top cover, the lower plate marked ‘4,’ mounted on a conical base with integral sun gear numbered ‘9204.’

The barometer set on separate unsigned chassis with fluted border, the movement raised on four turned brass supporting pillars, eight capsule pressure sensing stack with adjustment wheel over, well executed mechanism with polished brass screws, white metal recording arm. Chassis mounted arrestor bar with twin stop pins. Die struck silvered brass open centre dial with conventional meterological annotation calibrated from 28 to 31 inches of mercury, bearing registered design no. “428606” to bottom. Blued steel pointer. Lacquered brass plate to cabinet base bearing retailer’s particulars, Manoah Rhodes & Sons Ltd, Bradford.” Original corked ink bottle with dipper retained in a separately mounted cylindrical station. The whole contained within its original lacquered and polished mahogany case with lift off bevelled five glass cover, the base set with frieze chart drawer.

The barograph and cabinet having been completely dismantled, conserved and cleaned, including polishing and re-setting all pivots, re-balancing and aligning the mechanism, replacement Vavasseur-made recording arm and original nib. The clockwork movement overhauled and timed. The barometric mechanism re-calibrated and pressure chamber tested to full scale deflection, the performance graph below showing average error to be approximately 1/20th of an inch – a very acceptable value. It was noted that the instrument maintained good sensitivity and progression, the recorded trace confirming this.

Such barographs with a barometer dial in the case may be considered scarce. The majority require considerable restoration – this one has survived remarkably well and remains original in virtually all respects. The barometer dial re-silvered, the recording arm replaced. The movement retaining virtually all its original finish, the mahogany case, though affected by light, maintains good colour.

An interesting and aesthetically very appealing instrument with an intensely practical purpose. A collector’s piece.

Dimensions: 14½” wide x 8¾” deep x 8¼” high

Stock No: BG0923

Price: SOLD

(Barograph will be supplied with charts, ink and operating instructions)