
Richard Frères thermohygrograph · c. 1925
Paris-made clockwork drum recorder, temperature and humidity on paper charts. Runs, writes, satisfies.
- SKU
- MS-SC-1006
- Era
- 1900-1950
- Condition
- Clockwork drum wound and running, both pens replaced, glazed case original
- Dimensions
- 14" × 8" × 8"
- Weight
- 12 lbs
- Provenance
- École Normale disposal via a Parisian scientific dealer, 2022
- Category
- Scientific Instruments
- Tags
- thermohygrographrichard-freresrecorderclockworkparis
A Richard Frères recording thermohygrograph from Paris, circa 1925, in its original glazed mahogany case. The eight-day clockwork drum was serviced in 2023, winds firmly, and completes one revolution per week within a couple of minutes' accuracy.
Both the bimetallic temperature element and the human-hair hygrometer are original and responsive. The pens have been replaced with modern equivalents that fit the original arm sockets; a small pot of Richard's chart paper is included, enough for perhaps a year of continuous recording.
These were the standard-issue observatory instrument between the wars, and this one bears a faded École Normale inventory tag on the underside.
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