Bourdon and Richard’s Patent clock and barometer

Bourdon-clock-barometer

A rare 1860s Bourdon and Richard’s Patent ships-style combined clock/metallic barometer.

The brass drum-shaped case has been polished and lacquered. It has a suspension ring to the top, and rests on an ebonised wooden stand.

The white enamel 5.25 inch two-part dial has an inner clock dial with Roman numerals within an outer minute track. This is separated from the outer barometer dial with a gilt metal border. The barometer dial has the usual weather predictions within a range of with a range from 28 to 31 inches. The centre bottom is inscribed METALLIC BAROMETER between two exhibition award medallions – World Medal Exhibition 1849, Gold Medal and Universal Exhibition London 1851, Council Medal.

The clock hands are blued steel Breguet-style, the fine barometer pointer is also blued steel.

The eight-day spring driven clock movement is signed Richard á Paris with silvered lever platform escapement, the back plate struck with serial no. 80.

The Bourdon barometer mechanism is attached to the back plate, visible through the glazed back. The barometer dial plate is also signed for Richard á Paris and numbered 6642.

  • Height 26 cms (10.25 inches)
  • Width : 20cms (8 inches)
  • Depth: 10 cms (4 inches)

Overhauled and guaranteed for 3 years.

The Makers

Eugene Bourdon was a maker of repute. Whilst the design of the aneroid barometer was being developed by a rival French engineer Vidie, Bourdon patented this type of barometer guage in 1849 and it was initially widely used.

According to Edwin Banfield’s book, Barometers Aneroid and Barograph, Richard may have been working with Bourdon before he went into partnership with Richard Frères in 1858, a partnership which went on to become a prolific producer of carriage clocks over the next few decades.

Whilst many example of Bourdon’s barometers remain today, only 500 of these combination clock barometers were ever produced, making them a much rarer find.