Mahogany Drum Barograph by Richard Frères No 85874 C1915

A very good lacquered brass mahogany cased five glass aneroid drum barograph No 85874 by Richard Frères, Paris, cased and retailed by Negretti & Zambra, London, c1915. Constructed in brass and steel and driven from an eight capsule column, the signal amplified over levers and drop links rotating about pivoted cross shafts, raised on four turned columns over a full length chassis struck with maker’s “Rf” logogram, serial no. “85874,” and “Richard Frères, Constructeurs Brevetes.” Chassis mounted thermometer, the register marked “Negretti & Zambra” and calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit, arrestor bar. The drum with paper clip, seven day movement, platform escapement, serial number “19980” matched to sun wheel. Lift off dust lid and captive key. Calibration on a key from below the case. All contained within a mid tone mahogany case, moulded base and square form lift off lid, five bevelled glasses. Comments: The Rolls Royce of C19th barographs – increasingly hard to find, this one is a really good example and of particular interest. Imported into the UK by Negretti & Zambra as a basic chassis with thermometer, the case UK-made. All this at a time when Negretti & Zambra relied on the importation of these instruments and before they commenced manufacture in London, the first N&Z instruments taking many design cues from this instrument. The steel cross beams are interesting and not fitted as a cheap option but as part of the overall design reflecting the attention to detail of this maker. A really nice antique barograph in excellent condition and in full working order. With modest dimensions and good aesthetics, this will fit in well into any room. A collector’s or connoisseur’s piece alike. Dimensions: 12¾" wide x 6¾" high x 7" deep