A very good Art Deco The Wilson Forecast Barometer probably manufactured by Short & Mason c1925
Aneroid barometer having 6¼” black printed Art Deco aluminium dial with scalloped barometric register, having a range from 26″ – 31″ of Hg divided to 1/20th, the upper part marked “The Wilsn [sic] Forecast Barometer,” with weather forecasting prognostications below. “Regd No 710248” and “British Made” towards the bottom of the dial, and further marked with the retailer, “Prestons Ltd.” Blued steel pointer and gilt brass index under bevelled glass, retained within a brass bezel.
Conventional Vidie pattern movement driven from a single 2¾” capsule. The whole presented in a light walnut Art Deco case, calibration port to verso, hanging plate to 12 o’clock.
Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test, displaying more than acceptable accuracy across the full range.
The brass bezel re-lacquered, otherwise in completely original condition, the dial about perfect, the walnut case with a few very light marks.
Comments: This very handsome example in the early Art Deco style is both aesthetically pleasing and working exceptionally well, the noted error being less than 1/10th” across the measured range. Although unsigned, this is almost certainly the work of Short & Mason.
Prestons Ltd, also known as Prestons of Bolton, was a jeweller and retailer of clocks, watches and barometers. Formed in 1905 when the watchmaking business of James Preston was inherited by his niece, Gertrude Duckworth, Prestons of Bolton, with its impressive corner building and Time Ball clock, signalling the time to mill workers for many years, became one of the region’s most iconic jewellery stores. It finally closed in 2016.
Scarce, one for the collector and gift-giver alike.
Dimensions: 11" wide x 11½" high
Stock No: BA2047
Price: £350