A premium 8-day recording barometer within a polished walnut case by Short & Mason Ltd of London, a respected firm of barometer makers from the early 20th century
This is perhaps the grandest of the Victorian barograph case styles – the neo-classical design has fluted pillars with carved capitals and bases, and incorporates a drawer for the charts. The lift-off cover has heavy bevelled glasses to the five sides.
The case bears an ivorine plaque for the makers “Short & Mason Ltd, London”.
The 8-day drum movement is stamped “Pat. No. 3715.02”. It has an affixed winding key concealed under the spun brass cover. The platform escapement is protected by a brass framework to avoid inadvertent interference.
The mechanism incorporates an eight-capsule vacuum bellow set below the adjustment wheel.
Original glass ink bottle with corked dipper.
A similar example is illustrated in Edwin Banfield’s Barometers: Aneroid and Barographs, p118, fig. 104.
The clock movement is yet to be overhauled, but once done it will be guaranteed for 3 years. The barograph will be supplied with a full set of papers of your choice (Sunday / Monday start, inches / milibars) and a full sealed bottle of ink.
History
In 1875 a partnership was established between Thomas Short and James Mason as Short & Mason, making and selling barographs, aneroid barometers, compasses, aviation instruments such as altimeters, indicators and gauges.
By 1876 they were trading at 40 Hatton Garden, London, England. In around 1900, the partnership was incorporated, trading as Short & Mason Limited at Aneroid Works, Macdonald Road., Walthamstow, London E17 and from 1953 at Hale End Rd, 28 Wood St., London, England. They continued until a merger with Taylor Instrument Companies (Europe) Ltd., Leighton-Buzzard, Beds in 1969.
- Height: 25 cms
- Width: 38 cms
- Depth: 24cms
Ref: LCS&M
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