The British company Short and Mason was highly renowned for its precision measuring instruments, supplying industry, academia and government for over 100 years. It also supplied scientific instruments to the Scott and Shackleton polar expeditions and Everest climbers.
This is a fine example of their ‘Stormoguide’ desk or mantel barometer, produced for the domestic market in the 1930s. The 'Stormoguide' forecasting dial, often attributed to Short and Mason, was actually copyrighted by the American company Taylor Instruments in 1914 (a Taylor advertisement from 1930 for the original instrument is reproduced below). In 1932 Short & Mason copyrighted the 'rising-falling' indicator, which was complementary to the Stormoguide's function. This was just one aspect of a long collaboration between the two companies, beginning in 1907 and leading ultimately to their merger in 1969.
The instrument features a high quality aneroid movement set in a classically styled mottled brown bakelite case with pivoting housing. The silvered dial and sight ring are set behind a flat glass and chromed bezel. The pivot knobs are also chromed.
The barometer has been fully disassembled, serviced and cleaned and the case has been polished. It is in excellent vintage condition with a few light marks consistent with careful use.
It is currently set to read pressure at sea-level but will be supplied with instructions on adjustment to local conditions and guidance on how to read the dial.