‘The Life-Buoy’ marine barometer having 5” painted dial, the upper portion having barometric scale from 28-31 inches of mercury, annotated “Stormy,” “Barometer Falls for Warm, Wet or More Wind,” “Unsettled,” “Rises for Cold, Dry or Less Wind,” and “Fair Weather.” The decorated centre captioned “The Life-Buoy” and “Trade Mark,” the lower portion with curved glass thermometer with a range from 10-150 degrees Fahrenheit, signed by the retailer “W. Heath, 24 George Street, Plymouth.” Blued-steel pointer set beneath flat glass with gilded telltale to centre. Spun brass bezel retaining much original finish, lacquered and japanned brass movement of conventional pattern driven by a single 2.6” capsule and mounted upon a substantial steel chassis doubling as case rear. The whole contained within its original and very unusual cast iron case, compensation screw to rear set at 3 o’clock, bulkhead mounting case extensions at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock.

Overall, in good working order and condition, it remains crisp with excellent colour and resolution. Stripped, serviced and conserved, the outer case re-finished.

Looking at all variations of the Dollond marine barometer, this ‘The Life-Buoy’ variation is very rare, particularly, as here, with the thermometer to the lower portion of the dial. A true collector’s piece.

Dimensions: 6” diameter x 2¼” deep

Stock No: BA0549

Price: Vavasseur Archive