Miracle Supply Co.Purveyors of the improbable · Est. 1923
Richard Frères thermohygrograph · c. 1925
1900-1950

Richard Frères thermohygrograph · c. 1925

Paris-made clockwork drum recorder, temperature and humidity on paper charts. Runs, writes, satisfies.

Ledger entry
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
On this piece

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.