A good lacquered brass desk weather forecaster by Negretti & Zambra c1925

Brass desk forecaster having 4¾” dial constructed principally in lacquered brass and comprising two concentric rotating rings set into a circular chassis with barometric settings (reduced to sea level) with a range to 28 – 31 inches of mercury at 12 o’clock and wind direction settings at 6 o’clock on the outer ring, the middle ring with indexes for Steady: Winter and Summer at 6 o’clock, Falling: Winter, Summer, set at 10 o’clock and Rising: Summer, Winter at 2 o’clock.

The inner dial with radially marked weather predictions as viewed through the forecast aperture to the centre, having twin projections assisting rotation. Barometer index at 12 o’clock. Directions (for use) to the upper part, forecast indicator and arrow at centre, with Patent no. “6276” and “1915,” signed by the maker “Negretti & Zambra, London” and “N&Z” logogram at lower left.

The verso with japenned finish and having fold-out swinging easel stand, actuation lever for revolving dials. Suspension ring and post.

These forecasters were a revolution at their inception and the product of some ten years of documented and collated observations. Accuracy of prediction, if used correctly, was said to be as high as 80%. This particular example has almost all of its original lacquered finish present, with just a very few losses to the suspension ring and to the black painted verso.

Please note: The image of the Directions for Use is of an original document held in our Archive – a facsimile copy will be provided with this instrument.

Now considered scarce and sought after, and in much above average condition, this is certainly a collector’s piece or a thoughtful gift.