English Nephoscope, 1910-20

This rare and attractive device is a mirror nephoscope in very good condition and with all its original component parts. This instrument is designed for measuring the altitude, direction and velocity of clouds. Nephoscopes were also used to calculate the percentage of cloudy sky that happened in a concrete place and time.The nephoscope that we can see in the images is signed by J. Barker and Son and was made in England in the 20th century (Circa 1950). It works fine and is a very special item for its rareness and excellent condition. The device mounts a flat circular body with a compass and a reflecting surface. It is made of cast iron and stands on an adjustable tripod made of the same material.One of the tripods legs bears the manufacturers name engraved in the metal: F. BARKER & SON LTD. LONDON. Another leg shows the inscription M.O. 400/53. The nephoscope Works reflecting the movement of the clouds in the mirror. The Spanish National Geographic Institute says that this type of nephoscopes included a mirror where the cloud would be reflected, locating it in the observation center and watching its tour according to the compass. The velocity would be determined through a constant combined with the time it would take the cloud to come out of a circle engraved in the instruments mirror.The mirror nephoscope that we can see in the images comes in its original solid wooden case, also very well preserved. The case is made of mahogany wood and boasts delicate and solid dovetail joints in the corners. The cover is quite special: it has three grooves where the tripods legs can be adjusted. This way the case turns into the ideal stand to use the instrument anywhere. The wooden box also preserves the metal handle, the lock and the key in working order.Quite rare and singularly attractive, this nephoscope is a museum piece perfect to complete a great collection of turn-of-the-century instruments.Measurements: Width: 7.4 in / 19 cm. Height: 5.5 in / 14 cm.