Marine barometer having 5” enamelled and hand illuminated dial, calibrated in inches of mercury having a range from 26-31, the upper portion marked with basic forecasting instructions, “Barometer Falls for Warm, Wet, Or More Wind,” “Rises for Cold, Dry, Or Less Wind,” “Fisherman’s Aneroid Barometer.” The lower portion further marked “Issued by the Royal National Life Boat Institution, No 1447,” signed by the maker “Negretti & Zambra, London.” Fine blued steel pointer, gilt brass telltale, all set beneath bevelled glass. High quality capsule driven movement set on a steel chassis with lacquered brass component parts. Oxidised brass spun drum-form case with top and bottom fixings, the verso with calibration port. The whole maintained upon a contemporary mahogany desk or table stand.

A really very hard to find early 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, and were produced with unpainted zinc cases and plain brass bezels.  Later instruments marked “As Issued By…” were sold for £1 15 0, and were generally presented with painted metal or oak cases.

This particular instrument retains a very high proportion of its original lacquered oxidised brass finish, the dial remains undamaged and in crisp condition. The movement working well with good sensitivity and progression.

The subject of some conservation, a service and calibration, this piece may be considered excellent and very much a collector’s item. The mahogany stand, well figured and with good colour, sets the instrument off very well affording an easy method of display.

Dimensions: 6¼” diameter x 2¼” deep; stand dimensions: 7¾” wide x 8½” high x 4½” deep

Stock No: BA0594

Price: SOLD