A very good Motor Aneroid retailed by A.R. Baines of Harrogate, manufactured by Negretti & Zambra c1920

Motor Aneroid having 2½” silvered and die struck dial, the outer bezel operated altitude ring with both red and black numerals and divisions, the scale calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 2,000ft for both ascent and descent, divided down to 20ft. The inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 27” – 31”, divided down to 1/20”. The lower centre carrying the retailer’s details, “A.R. Baines, 37 James St, Harrogate.” Blued steel pointer, bevelled glass.

Conventional 1st quality Vidi pattern movement constructed from brass and aluminium, driven from a single 1½” nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring, all raised over a light alloy chassis. Presented in a flanged drum form case, three mounting points, calibration port to verso.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test. The movement working well. The case the subject of restoration, the original dial very crisp and clean.

Comments: A aesthetically very attractive instrument with its red illuminated dial, the ascent and descent scales being quite unusual.

Now really quite hard to find especially in good condition, sought by collectors of barometers and automobilia alike, these instruments were fitted to the more prestigious motor cars of the times, particularly Rolls Royce and, later, Bentley. Many of these instruments were also fitted after market as an essential embellishment or accessory to any fine motor car.

Though the dial is marked “AR Baines,” we have noted a number of very similar instruments, almost identical in presentation with a range of dial retailer signatures. The movement appearing to be of first quality construction, the most likely maker is Negretti & Zambra.

A very nice instrument making the final detailed touches to any classic car restoration.