Instruments for Personal Observations & Curiosity

c. 1850 – c. 1950

Richard Paselk, Curator

Barograph

This instrument was displayed in the window of Oliver’s Jewelers in Old Town Eureka into the 1950’s. This “Cyclo-Stormograph” gives a continuous 7-day recording of barometric pressure, commonly used to predict weather, as can be seen on the original tag for interpreting the instrument output seen below. The catalog scan is from: Braun-Knecht-Heiman-Co. Catalog No. 29 Laboratory Apparatus and Chemicals for Physics—Chemistry—Biology—Agriculture—General Science as required for Educational Purposes. San Francisco. (1929).

Description

This high-quality barograph is mounted on a mahogany base (12" x 6⁷/₈" in greatest dimension) with a mahogany and beveled glass cover (overall height 7¹/₄" ), shown below in a second image from a different view. A photograph with the cover and chartholder/clock mechanism removed shows the original ink bottle. The face of the clockwork, including the escapement and manufacturers stamps is shown in a photograph below.

© R. Paselk 2013, Last modified 31 December 2020