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 to 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 7743” 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 soldered ferrule mounted single 2” capsule driven movement tensioned on C spring. Type two zinc 1¾” high 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. Excellent performance, accuracy equal to or less than 1/10^th” Hg deviance across the range. The dial undamaged but with normal crazing to the glaze, the markings clear and having good density. The index setting knob working correctly, the case circumference lacking its original finish, the verso green painted. The glass and bezel original.

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: 6½” diameter x 2¼” deep

Stock No: BA1707

Price: SOLD