Fishermans Marine Barometer by Dollond c1890 – SOLD
RNLI marine barometer with 5” transfer-decorated white vitreous dial having barometric scale from 26-31 inches of mercury, the upper portion annotated “Barometer Falls for Warm, Wet or More Wind – Rises for Cold, Dry or Less Wind” and “Fishermans Aneroid Barometer,” the lower portion marked “Issued by The Royal National Life Boat Institution, No, Dollond, London.” Blued-steel pointer set beneath heavy bevelled glass with polished lacquered brass tell-tale to centre. Heavy brass bezel, first quality lacquered and japanned brass movement of conventional pattern driven by a 3″ capsule. The whole contained within its black-painted zinc drum-form case, rear-mounted bulkhead fixing points, calibration adjustment port set at 4 o’clock.
A good example of this sought-after marine barometer, this is one of the initial barometers issued by the RNLI to fishermen at the subsidised rate of 11 shillings and 6d, a third of the retail price, and were produced with unpainted zinc cases and plain brass bezels – later instruments marked “As Issued By…” were sold for £1 15 0. Close examination of the dial shows no indication that a serial number was ever applied – this is unusual.
Extensively serviced and conserved, this instrument showed clear signs that it had been used at sea for some time. During the course of conservation the reflector ring required re-silvering due to extensive oxidation caused by salt water. Otherwise this instrument is in very original condition. It was formerly in the possession of the Douglas fishing family of Scarborough, and the verso bears the wording: “East Pier Engineering.”
The verso retaining a proportion of its finish, small bruise to brass bezel at 11 o’clock.
Calibrated and with very good sensitivity and transition, the instrument is presented as it would have appeared when issued. This RNLI marine barometer is very much a collector’s piece.
Dimensions: 6½” diameter x 2¾” deep
Stock No: BA0901
Price: SOLD
