A Universal Barometer and the Story of A. Franks Ltd. added
A rare Universal Barometer of c.1900 has joined the collection, together with a new history of its Manchester retailer, A. Franks Ltd.
A new instrument has been added to the collection: The Universal Barometer, made in England around 1900 and intended, as its dial proudly states, “for the use of Mariners, Agriculturists, Horticulturists &c.”
The robust cast-iron barometer carries the name A. Franks Ltd., Opticians, Manchester, which retailed the instrument. The type has traditionally been associated with Dollond, while this particular example is fitted with a movement made by Short & Mason, providing an interesting illustration of the relationships between manufacturers, specialist movement makers and retailers in the British scientific-instrument trade.