RNLI 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 2572,” signed by the maker “Negretti & Zambra, London.” Fine blued steel pointer, gilt brass telltale, all set beneath bevelled glass. Heavy brass bezel, unusual quality lacquered and japanned brass movement driven by a 3″ capsule. The whole contained within its original zinc drum-form case, rear-mounted bulkhead fixing points, calibration adjustment port set at 4 o’clock.

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 free of charge, and were produced with unpainted zinc cases and plain brass bezels.  Later instruments marked “As Issued By…” were sold for 5 shillings and were generally presented with painted metal or oak cases.

This particular instrument has a very unusual movement and not one seen in earlier or later examples of marine barometers produced by Negretti & Zambra for the RNLI – it is particularly heavy duty and of a superior quality.

Serviced and calibrated, original in all respects. Good sensitivity and transition, presented as it would have appeared when issued. This RNLI marine barometer is very much a collector’s piece.

Dimensions: 6¼” diameter x 2¼” deep

Stock No: BA0835

Price: SOLD