RNLI Fishermans Marine Barometer by Dollond No 2528 c1884 – SOLD
RNLI marine barometer having 4¾” glazed ceramic transfer and hand decorated dial, the periphery marked “Changeable” at 12 o’clock, barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 26 to 31, stations on the inch and divided 20ths. The upper portion marked with basic forecasting instructions, “Barometer Falls for Warm, Wet, Or More Wind,” “Rises for Cold, Dry, Or Less Wind,” concentric to barometric scale, upper centre marked “Fisherman’s Aneroid Barometer.” The lower part “Issued by the Royal National Life Boat Institution, No 2528” and signed by the maker “Dollond, London.” Blued steel pointer, gilt brass Index. All set beneath a heavy bevelled glass maintained within a brass bezel.
Conventional single 2” capsule driven movement tensioned on C spring and mounted on a wooden block (characteristic of early instruments). Zinc drum form case with fixings at 12 and 6 o’clock. Calibration port to verso.
Condition: The subject of an extensive service and conservation. Tested and calibrated under laboratory conditions, see performance chart below. The dial undamaged but with normal crazing to the glaze, the markings clear and having good density. The index setting knob oxidised, the case circumference lacking its original finish, the verso retaining a good proportion. Small dent at case top adjacent to hanger. The glass and bezel a contemporary or period replacement.
Negretti & Zambra Catalogue c1886 showing a similar instrument
Comments: The important thing here is that this instrument was “Issued” by the RNLI and not “As Issued.” This does make a difference to value and authenticity. This is one of the initial barometers issued by the RNLI to masters and owners of fishing vessels at the subsidised rate of eleven shillings and sixpence, a third of the retail price. Both Dollond and Negretti & Zambra manufactured these marine barometers which were issued from August 1882 onwards, and by November 1883 over 1,200 applications for the Fisherman’s Aneroid Barometer had been received. The RNLI then agreed to extend the same subsidised price to a number of masters and owners of coasters under 100 tons.
Generally this instrument presents well, being in much above average condition – the dials are quite fragile and many are cracked or repaired.
This RNLI marine barometer is a collector’s piece.
Dimensions: 6¼” diameter x 2¾” deep
Stock No: BA1615
Price: SOLD
