A good RNLI Fishermans Aneroid Barometer by Negretti & Zambra, London No 12494 c1890

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,” and “Fisherman’s Aneroid Barometer.” The lower portion further marked “As Issued by the Royal National Life Boat Institution, No 12494,” signed by the maker “Negretti & Zambra, London.” Fine japanned steel pointer, gilt brass telltale, all set beneath bevelled glass in heavy brass bezel.

The quality lacquered and japanned brass movement driven by a 2¾″ capsule tensioned on a C spring. The whole contained within its original painted zinc drum-form case, rear-mounted bulkhead fixing points, calibration adjustment port to verso set at 4 o’clock.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation and re-calibration under laboratory conditions. The movement working exceptionally well, see performance chart. Overall very good and clearly original, the dial retaining much of its illuminated pigment, the bezel and case retaining much original finish. The arbor and chain correct replacements from a contemporary instrument.

Comments: A good example of this sought-after marine barometer, these “As Issued by” barometers followed the initial distribution of these instruments to fishermen and ships’ captains at the subsidised rate of 11 shillings and 6d, and were included in the Negretti & Zambra catalogue of 1886 priced at £1 15 0.

Now very hard to find in good condition, these RNLI marine barometers are one of the most popular and collectable of all aneroid barometers.

Negretti & Zambra, founded in 1850 as makers of scientific instruments, were the most prolific and leading makers of all types of barometers during the second half of the 19th century. The partnership exhibited at the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in 1851 and won a Prize Medal. Negretti & Zambra held the appointment of instrument-makers to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and Edward VII, the Royal Observatory and the British Admiralty (see Banfield, Edwin, Barometer Makers and Retailers, 1660-1900).