self-recording rain gauge
Datedate 1888
Inventory Number1996-1-0088
ClassificationRain Gauge
Subject
User
Sterling P. Fergusson
1868 - 1959
User
Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory
1885-present
Place of Origin
Place of Use
Dimensions73 × 45.5 × 33.5 cm (28 3/4 × 17 15/16 × 13 3/16 in.)
Material
AccessoriesInstruction pamphlet
DescriptionWeighing precipitation gauge, made by the Draper Manufacturing Co. Device has a metal case, with peaked top and opening to admit precipitation. There is a hinged door on the front of the box, for access to the instrument inside. The door has a decorative floral and bird motif and a window through which the recording graph may be seen. "Draper's Recording Rain Gauge" is printed in raised letters on the door.
The case rests on a four-footed metal stand.
The instrument itself, which rests inside the case, connected to a recording arm which would inscribe the weights on a revolving drum (missing).
Missing elements include a collecting pan which would rest on a pedestal attached to a spring, designed to connect to a recording stylus and drum. The drum is also missing (pictured in the associated product brochure).
A product brochure is inside the case, along with a piece of graph paper marked, "Draper's Recording Rain Gauge"
The case rests on a four-footed metal stand.
The instrument itself, which rests inside the case, connected to a recording arm which would inscribe the weights on a revolving drum (missing).
Missing elements include a collecting pan which would rest on a pedestal attached to a spring, designed to connect to a recording stylus and drum. The drum is also missing (pictured in the associated product brochure).
A product brochure is inside the case, along with a piece of graph paper marked, "Draper's Recording Rain Gauge"
Signedon door: DRAPER'S / RECORDING / RAIN / GAUGE
FunctionA collection and recording device for measuring rainfall.
Historical AttributesFirst of several models by S.P. Fergusson.
Julien P. Friez & Sons
Date: 1913-1929
Accessories: The following information for supplies was found on a metal plate under the collection tank on the top of the base: "Acc'y CAT# CHART; 1015, INK # 10, PEN # 3, CAT: 402. JULIEN FRIEZE AND SONS BELFORT OBSERVATORY - BALTIMORE, MD"
Object number: RS0316
Richard Frères
Date: circa 1886
Accessories: small wooden box; ink; droppers
Object number: 1996-1-0154
Davis & Son
Date: 1843-1873
Accessories: small metal key
Object number: 1998-1-0606
Seth Thomas Clock Company
Date: circa 1900
Accessories: Case and rest of instrument on B7-I shelf
Object number: 1996-1-0194b
Richard Frères
Date: circa 1886
Accessories: detachable top funnel (1996-1-0144b); wind screen (1996-1-0184)
Object number: 1996-1-0144a
Richard Frères
Date: circa 1886
Accessories: detachable top funnel (1996-1-0144b); wind screen (1996-1-0184)
Object number: 1996-1-0144b
Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory
Date: 1886
Accessories: part of 1996-1-0144a, b.
Object number: 1996-1-0184
Friez Instrument Division, Bendix Aviation Corporation
Date: 1943-1950
Accessories: lid; stack of aerograph paper; metal case
Object number: DW0446
