Antique Drum Barograph with Dial by Short & Mason No J25528 c.1928

A very good mahogany cased aneroid recording barometer or barograph by Short & Mason for Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh No J25528 c.1928. Drum barograph of Short & Mason standard pattern comprising an eight autonomous cell pressure sensor, calibration or “Zero” adjusting knob over. The mechanism principally constructed in lacquered brass with polished steel spindles and aluminium recording arm, polished steel arrestor bar. The 4½” silvered and die struck dial with standard meteorological terms, the barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 28” – 31” divided to 1/100, the lower part bearing “Rd No. 428606,” the retailer’s details “Hamilton & Inches, Edinburgh” and serial “No. J25528,” lower cross beam bearing “Tycos” logogram, all raised on four turned columns over an oblong fluted chassis. Ink station, bottle and dipper. The standard adhesive chart 3.6“ x 3.6” recording drum having captive key, 7 day movement with fenced platform escapement, the top plate struck Pat “3715.02,” both bottom plate and sun wheel with matching serial numbers “3945” and “A3945” respectively, lid. Presented on lacquered mahogany plinth with frieze drawer, the lift off cover with five bevelled glasses. Condition: The subject of a full rebuild, service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test. The movement working exceptionally well across the barometric range 28” – 31”. The dial generally very good, minor marks and some signs of ageing, the movement clean and crisp retaining virtually all its original lacquer, the good quality drum in similar condition. Nib replaced and bedded in. Ink bottle later replacement. The timber case and cover with clear signs of age and colour shift, the result of exposure to daylight, the lacquer re-polished and one section re-lacquered and polished, otherwise minor marks and light impressions. Generally in crisp condition. Comments: This is a good instrument. Many that we see fail to resolve pressure at the top and bottom of the range – this does so with good sensitivity and progression. Recording barometers of this type are by far the most sought after and becoming increasingly difficult to find.