Antique aneroid barometer having 4¼” silvered and engraved grained dial, the upper portion with a barometric range of 28 – 31 inches of mercury with meterological annotations “Stormy,” “Rain,” “Change,” “Fair,” and “Set Fair,” signed by the retailer “M. Pillischer,” the lower having semi-circular mercurial thermometer calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit with a range 20 – 120, and marked with London address, “88 New Bond Street.” Blued-steel pointer, stylised gilt brass telltale set beneath bevelled glass, brass bronzed bezel. Remote index setting knob below.

Exceptional early cast-iron, gilt brass and steel movement with coil spring-tensioned 2¾” capsule, finely cast primary lever, the cock bearing the serial no. “861″ and dated “14/11/64.” All contained within its oak veneered drum form case.

Though rather unassuming in appearance, this is an exceptionally well-designed and engineered instrument. Its simplicity in form belies its excellence and quality.

Retailed by Moritz Pillischer working from a premier London address in New Bond Street, the very high quality movement – one of the finest recorded to date – is undoubtedly the work of Callaghan, also working from New Bond Street at that time. In operation the registration is stepless and highly sensitive. Instrument serviced and checked. Small loss of veneer to rear of oak case, otherwise in excellent condition.

This antique aneroid barometer is as much a collector’s piece as a wonderful decorative and practical addition to any living space.

Moritz Pillischer worked from 88 New Bond Street, London, from 1854-1888. The firm exhibited at the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in 1851 and won a medal. William Callaghan & Co was based in New Bond Street from 1860 onwards. (Banfield, Edwin, Barometer Makers and Retailers, 1660-1900)

Dimensions: 9″ high x 9″ wide x 3″ deep

Stock No: BA0424

Price: Vavasseur Archive