What is a barograph?

A barograph is a scientific instrument , which indicates the pressure of the atmosphere by recording it on a continuous graph and makes a fascinating visual record which often intrigues the owners with some of the surprising peaks and troughs.  The earliest barographs were driven from mercury tubes and later when the aneroid barometer was established there were self recording aneroid barometers.  Today's traditional shaped barograph with a recording drum was improved much by a famous maker – Short & Mason, as well as Negretti & Zambra.  They were issued by the Met Office for use on ships as well as land stations.  Most of the ones we come across today will have glass on five sides of the case to act as a serviceable decorative instrument, often with a drawer to enclose charts.  Some finer models also have dials attached. There are a number of unusual ones, small as well as large, which occasionally crop up for sale.  Charts are very varied for different types, although we stock a number of standard type of charts as well as pens and nibs.