Fisherman’s marine barometer with enamelled and hand-annotated 5” dial with an indicated pressure range of 26-31 inches of mercury, capitals and scale divisions marked in red, and conventional meteorological captions. Bears the legends “Fisherman’s Aneroid Barometer” and “As Issued by the Royal National Life Boat Institution,” and inscribed “Negretti & Zambra, London” and “No. 15204.” Blued-steel indicator with gilt brass telltale, heavy bevelled plate glass with centre-mounted knurled and gilded brass setting wheel. Spun brass case and bezel retaining most of original lacquered dark bronze finish, with vertically opposed mountings, and the reverse having three circumferentially spaced fixing nuts to glass and bezel. Single port with adjustment screw at 4 o’clock.

It is understood that manufacture of these instruments commenced in the last quarter of the 19^th Century, and they were made available to Merchant Navy masters and fishing vessels alike. Although manufactured in reasonable numbers, relatively few of these survive especially in this very good state. The fisherman’s barometer, having been cleaned, checked and calibrated, remains in excellent original condition in all respects.

Negretti & Zambra, founded in 1850 as makers of scientific instruments, were the most prolific and leading makers of all types of barometers during the second half of the 19^th century. The partnership exhibited at the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in 1851 and won a Prize Medal. Negretti & Zambra held the appointment of instrument-makers to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and Edward VII, the Royal Observatory and the British Admiralty (see Banfield, Edwin, Barometer Makers and Retailers, 1660-1900).

Dimensions: 6″ diameter x 2¼” deep

Stock No: BA0226

Price: SOLD