A particularly attractive novelty aneroid barometer, thermometer and compass modelled as a miniature library globe by Callaghan No 2245 c1867 

Aneroid barometer desk compendium, constructed principally in lacquered brass, the globe with articulating Northern hemisphere revealing a barometer having 1⅝” die struck dial, the barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 26” – 31” divided down to 1/20th, standard meteorological terms, signed “Callaghan” with London address below. Blued steel pointer, bezel operated index.

Vidie pattern movement driven from a single 1” diameter capsule, the cock and underside of chassis struck with no. “2245,” with the capsule, primary lever, and back of dial similarly numbered by hand. The chassis dated “1/4/67.” Extended calibration screw protruding from back of drum form inner case, which is marked “2245” by hand to inside, and “VII” to verso

Mounted within a circular silvered thermometer register calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit with scale from 20° – 150° divided down to single degrees, further marked with maker’s name, London address and Registered Design diamond for 20 February 1867.

The whole raised on three swan’s neck supporting legs finished with castors and maintaining a lower compass with bar needle, enamel dial signed by the maker with London address, and displaying cardinals, intercardinals and false points. Presented upon a circular green leather and velvet covered base.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test, the movement working well across the scale.

The barometer dial with minor marks otherwise clean and crisp, the thermometer register with some losses to silvered finish, the thermometer itself probably an early replacement with small break to thread at reading end. The compass is free and easily finds North.

The globe top articulating easily and locking in the closed position. The frame retaining much original finish, slight distortion to one of the castors. The circular base restored with new leather covering in Callaghan green, the velvet to verso remaining original.

Comments: This is the only example of this design that I have seen, remarkable not only for its condition, but for its evident aesthetic appeal, modelled on what have become intensely collected library globes.

It is extremely unusual, and a measure of the quality of production, that so many of the constituent parts carry the serial no. “2245.”

Very much one for the collector both of Callaghan instruments but also novelty desk pieces, and indeed library globes!