A circa 1950 Weekly Barograph by Jules Richard, type NG 5309-2-1, has been added to the collection. The instrument combines a ten-capsule aneroid movement with a weekly recording drum, four-sided glazing, and several practical refinements developed for professional meteorological use.
A new addition to the collection is a circa 1950 Weekly Barograph manufactured in Paris by Jules Richard, one of Europe’s leading makers of self-recording meteorological instruments. The instrument is type NG 5309-2-1, serial number 259 555, and records atmospheric pressure over the range of 720–790 mmHg.
Its horizontally elongated case is made of dark-stained solid beech and glazed on all four sides, allowing the mechanism, recording arm, and weekly chart to remain visible without opening the instrument. A moulded plinth base, low feet, hinged wooden lid, and chromium-plated carrying handle give the case the appearance of compact scientific furniture while retaining a clearly practical purpose.
The mechanism is driven by a stack of ten evacuated German-silver aneroid capsules, whose combined movement operates the recording arm through a system of levers and links. The weekly drum makes one revolution in seven days and incorporates its own winding key, while sprung brass clips secure the chart without glue or pins. Further refinements include a pen-lifting device, concealed rate regulation, and an underside adjustment for sea-level correction.
The barograph is a mature post-war example of Jules Richard’s production, refined for dependable routine use rather than display alone. Its new collection page presents the construction of the case, the capsule stack, the recording system, and the practical details that helped keep this model in the company’s catalogues for many years.
