Large Oxidised Brass Pocket Barometer by Negretti & Zambra No 17538 c1890
Antique pocket barometer having 2½” engraved and engine-divided silvered dial with a range from 28 – 31 inches of mercury. The upper portion marked with standard meteorological annotations “Stormy, Rain, Change, Fair, Very Dry,” the lower portion signed by the maker “Negretti & Zambra, London” and serial no. “17538.” Fine blued steel pointer set beneath a bevelled glass, conventional high quality 1½” capsule-driven compensated movement.
All within a lacquered oxidised brass drum-form case having rotating bezel with index, suspension post and bow. Compensation screw port to verso.
Leather over wood, green silk and velvet lined travel case, the inner lid marked with the Negretti & Zambra cartouche in gold block. Snap closure on button release.
The glass with no chips, the dial clean and vibrant. The case with very light wear, retaining almost all its original finish. The movement working well with good sensitivity and progression. The travel case in good condition, small losses to leather on bottom, the lining fabrics vibrant.
Serviced and calibrated, and in well above average condition overall, this is a very attractive pocket barometer. The cartouche in the lid, including as it does the Crystal Palace address, dates this instrument to the last part of the 19th century.
These larger instruments are less common than their smaller counterparts and certainly have greater visual impact. Collectable.
Dimensions: 3″ diameter x 1¼” deep
Stock No: PB0855
Price: Vavasseur Archive