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Hamburg, Germany, Circa 1880

BELLOWS-STYLE BAROGRAPH BY CARL PLATH

Signed on a silvered brass maker's label "C. Plath Hamburg" and marked with serial no. 2113 on the interior brass plate. Seven compound bellows are attached to a pivoting arm by means of a brass linkage system. The bellows are unique in that they are mounted horizontally, as opposed to the usual vertical placement. The pivot arm scribes on graduated recording paper laid over a revolving brass drum, turned by a jeweled 8-day clock movement, rotating once every seven days. The mechanism is adjustable, and the pen trace may be interrupted when recording is not desired by use of a knurled lever. Built-in key for winding the clock inside the removable brass cover of the drum. A small brass receptacle housing a glass ink bottle is also provided for inking the scribe. Housed in heavy glazed wood case with brass hardware and hinged cover.
Condition: The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 

  • Provenance:
    The West Sea Company, Old Town San Diego, California, 2001.

    Notes:
    The firm of C. Plath was founded by Carl Plath, who purchased the nautical instrument making business of D. Filby in Hamburg, Germany in 1862. Plath quickly gained a reputation for manufacturing the finest quality nautical instruments in the world. His precision sextants are legendary. Carl's son Theodor joined the firm in 1892 and became a partner in 1899. The elder Plath retired in 1905 and Theodor became sole owner in 1908. The firm continues in existence to this day.

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We require prompt payment and removal of your purchases as stated in Paragraph 12 of the Conditions of Sale. If you plan to pick up your purchases, please call ahead and we'll make every effort to have your items ready. Our physical address is 1483 Route 6A, East Dennis, MA. Pick up of smaller items at our Mystic, CT location is also available with advance notice.
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COLLECTION OF PURCHASES: Delivery or shipping arrangements must be made within seven (7) days from the close of the auction for all purchases. All items must be removed from Eldred's facilities within fourteen (14) days of the end of the auction. All items remaining after fourteen days may be subject to a $15/per item/per day storage fee. No items will be released unless storage fees are paid in full. Items remaining over thirty (30) days from the close of the auction may be sold for the buyer's account minus auction and storage fees.

Winter Marine Sale Session I
February 28, 2023 9:30 AM EST
East Dennis, MA, US

Eldred's

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000