A very good, scarce RNLI presentation aneroid barometer by Negretti & Zambra no. R/12492 c1930s

Aneroid barometer having 4¾” silvered and engraved dial, the outer barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 28” – 31”, divided down to 1/100th, the centre with standard meteorological terms, marked “Compensated” and further inscribed “Presented by the Royal National Life Boat Institution to Angus Fairweather for Long and Valuable Services 1950,” the manufacturer’s details below with N&Z logogram and serial no. “R/12429.” Blued steel pointer, gilt brass index, bevelled glass.

Standard Vidie pattern movement with grey anti-corrosion coating driven from a single flux welded 3” capsule and tensioned on a C spring.

All contained within a japanned brass drum form case, three bulkhead fixings, 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 exceptionally well with good sensitivity and progression.

The dial with some ageing, though remaining clear and crisp. The case with minor marks and small losses, otherwise crisp overall.

Comments: A 1930s aneroid barometer presented in 1950 to Angus Fairweather for over 21 years of service to the Kirkcudbright Lifeboat, latterly as Coxswain 1949-1950, see the extracted announcement from The Life Boat Winter 1950.

A very usable day to day barometer with history attached. These are not seen very often, RNLI prizes and issue instruments being highly sought after by collectors.