Aneroid barometer having 2¾” silvered and machine-engraved dial with a range from 25 – 31″ of mercury, divided to 10ths and 20ths of an inch, and with a red arrow indicating 29.7″. The upper centre marked “A.R.P.” and “Forecasting Aneroid” in red, and “Compensated” in black; to the left “Falls for Rain or High Wind,” to the right “Rises for Fair or Less Wind;” the lower part marked “C.S.S.A. Ltd, London” and “Readings above Arrow Indicate Favourable Aviation & Weather Condition.”

Japanned steel pointer, silvered index with gilt setting knob, heavy finely bevelled glass set in plain form bezel. The movement predominantly constructed in brass and frost finished bright with 1¾” capsule, silk cord fusee. All contained within its bright plated drum-form case, compensation port to verso, the whole raised upon a japanned oblong plinth.

The work of Negretti & Zambra, this instrument was made available to civil servants and the general public alike through the department store C.S.S.A Ltd, The Strand, founded in 1865 as the Civil Service Supply Association, a co-operative retailing operation which predated the Army & Navy Stores. One other known example of an A.R.P. barometer was retailed by Doublet.

ARP Warden Hodges from “Dad’s Army”

This instrument stands as a historical reference to World War II and the Blitz – in lighter moments we might hear the voice of Hodges… “Put that light out!”

In very crisp original condition, some slight losses to the bright finish applied to the case, the dial with very minor points of oxidation to silvered finish. Fully disassembled, serviced and conserved, supplied with a pressure test showing full and proper function, this is very much a collector’s piece.

Stock No: BA0887

Dimensions: 4½” high x 5” wide x 2½” deep

Price: SOLD