A very scarce special order oak cased ship’s or yacht’s chart table barometer with thermometer by Vidie for Dent no. 20785

Aneroid barometer having 4¼” silvered, engine divided and engraved dial, the semi-circular barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 28” – 31” divided down to 1/50”, the inner part marked with standard meteorological terms and “Aneroid Barometer,” the lower signed by the retailer “E. Dent, Paris,” semi circular “Fahrenheit’s Thermometer” below, the register calibrated in °F with a range from 20° – 120°, divided to 2°. Serial no. “20785.” Silvered reflector ring, blued steel pointer, gilt index, all set beneath heavy glass with optical bevel.

The Vidie 3rd pattern movement driven from a single 2¾” nickel alloy capsule with hook type coupling and tensioned on a transverse bar-braced C spring, the brass cock inscribed “20785,” all raised over a circular steel chassis.

The whole maintained within a flared drum form lacquered brass case, the inside rear inscribed “Dent” and “20785,” pendant and ring, calibration port to verso.

Presented in its original blue velvet lined oak strut deck case, viewing port with heavy optically bevelled glass, sliding security bar, lock and key, pull up hanging plate. The base with coarse cloth facing.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test. The movement showing accuracy to within 0.05” across the range, very sensitive and with stepless progression.

The dial with some ageing, the brass case retaining most of its lacquered finish, scuffs evident from placing into and removing from case. The timber case and lining in similarly good condition, evidence of some shrinkage cracking, the fabric interior bright and vibrant, possibly replaced at some time. The lock working.

Comments: We have catalogued many similar instruments. Most are standard production, but this was evidently a special order suggested by the extraordinary heavy glass to both barometer and oak case, the bevels finished to near enough optical standards. The lacquered finish to the brass case is also much better than standard instruments.

All round this is a really fine survivor from the earliest days of aneroid barometer making, and one of the last manufactured by Vidie for the English market.