Beschreibung:

A rare wall mounted mahogany barograph J. Hicks, London, late 19th century The large diameter circular nickel plated aneroid chamber mounted vertically within a hinged gilt brass frame with armature operating the inked pointer for recording the change in barometric pressure on a horizontally pivoted clockwork driven paper-scale lined rotating drum, the lower edge of the brass frame with silvered scale divided for barometric inches and engraved J. HICKS, LONDON, No. 71, the recording drum with automatic mechanism to facilitate periodic lifting and dropping of the pointer for recording a series of dots rather than a continuous line, the rectangular glazed case with rounded top angles, moulded surround to the front glass and bottom-hinged cover allowing full access to the mechanism, 25.5ins (10ins) high; with a quantity of spare recording papers. James Joseph Hicks is recorded in Banfield, Edwin BAROMETER MAKERS AND RETAILERS 1660-1900 as working from Hatton Garden, London from 1861 until after 1900. He was a committed Catholic who presented various meteorological instruments to the Vatican receiving the title of Knight Commander of St. Gregory for his services. The current lot is a rare design which is thought to have been developed for maritime use. Recording by dots would both help to lessen the chance of interruption through jolts onboard a vessel, as well as allow clear indication of sustained fall in pressure which normally precedes a storm. Condition report disclaimer