A very good oxidised brass chart table aneroid barometer no 1367 by Callaghan for R&J Beck, London c1869

Aneroid barometer having 4¼” silvered and engraved dial, the upper part with semi circular barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 28” – 31” divided down to 1/50”, standard meteorological prognostications, the lower part signed by the retailer “R&J Beck, 31 Cornhill, London.” Semi-circular thermometer, the register calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit, with a range from 10° – 130°, divided to 1°. Callaghan pattern blued steel pointer and gilt index, heavy bevelled glass, die struck patterned bezel.

The first quality early movement driven from a single 2” capsule tensioned on a coil spring, finally cast primary lever, the cock with Callaghan maker’s number “1367.” The verso of the cast iron chassis carrying hand inscription “22/2/69.”

All contained within a brass drum form case, pendant and bow, calibration port to verso. The case and bezel landmarked “1367.”

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test. The movement working exceptionally well with accuracy to 1/20” across the range 28” – 31”, very sensitive and stepless progression.

The dial crisp and clear, some ageing to centre and minor signs of oxidation. The brass case restored, re-oxidised and lacquered to original colour and finish.

Comments: This is a very good early instrument, the movement probably the finest available for the time and rarely surpassed since for its accuracy and sensitivity. Few of these were manufactured, far fewer surviving today.

Very much a collectors or connoisseurs piece.