A very unusual large Bourdon mantle barometer in japanned stand by Jules Richard No 16303 c1880

Large Bourdon barometer having 9½” back printed glass dial, the outer part with standard meteorological terms, the inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 28” – 31” divided down to 1/50th”. The lower part marked “Aneroid Barometer.” Blued steel pointer, gilt index, bevelled glass, silvered back reflector.

Conventional Bourdon movement driven from a semi-circular ovoid section pressure sensing cell acting on a fine later pattern ‘teardrop’ rack and pinion to arbor, the backplate struck with the Jules Richard “JR” logogram, “Brevete,” and serial no, “16303.” All contained within a brass scalloped case with suspension ring and calibration port to centre verso.

Presented upon its correct japanned carved wood stand.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions. The movement working well with an easily acceptable level of accuracy across the standard scale, see performance chart. The barometer case retaining a good proportion of original lacquered finish, the internal silvered reflector in very good condition. The glass damage free with good clear resolution to annotations. The brass bezel re-lacquered. The japanned stand with some losses, impressions, and signs of later finishing.

Comments: 10” diameter barometers are exceptionally hard to come by with Vidie movements, and those with Bourdon movements are virtually never seen. The overall condition must be described as good, and with strong aesthetic value and an obvious practical application, this is one of those instruments that neatly fulfils the criteria for very collectable.

A rare and very handsome piece.