Antique aneroid barometer having 4½” silvered and engraved dial, barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 25 – 31, with stations on the inch and divided to 1/100ths. The upper part with standard meteorological terms and signed by the retailer, “J.H. Steward,” the lower part with address “54 Cornhill, London.” Blued steel pointer set beneath a bevelled glass with gilt brass index. The dial centre decorated with an engraved geocentric floral design. The early pattern French movement tensioned on a coil spring and driven from a single 2.5” capsule. All contained within a carved oak case raised on a plinth with slab feet. The verso with three dial fixing ferrules, calibration port.

Condition: The subject of a complete mechanical overhaul and calibration under laboratory conditions. The dial clearly aged with significant signs of oxidation to periphery, general discolouration. The glass clear, clean and unchipped, the bezel retaining a good proportion of its original lacquered finish. The oak case with good colour, small crack to carved wood to right of top caused by natural shrinkage, and slight wear to slab feet, otherwise damage free. The movement with more than acceptable levels of accuracy, good progression and sensitivity, see performance chart below.

Comments: Not a common pattern, the architectural design with ecclesiastical overtones conveys a sense of peace with pleasing aesthetics. The case colour is good and in keeping with fashionable taste. It would appear that J.H. Steward bought in good quality French movements, descendants of those French movements used by Vidi in the first aneroid instruments, to fit into these visually striking barometers.

A more than practical and aesthetically most desirable aneroid barometer by one of the premier makers of quality instruments of the time.