A scarce, good Royal Standard bulkhead aneroid barometer by Dollond c1880

Aneroid barometer having 4¾” off white chromatic printed aluminium dial. The scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 28 – 31”, divided to 1/20th, standard meteorological terms, the upper part signed by the maker “Dollond, London,” the lower with full colour Royal Standard flag surmounting the legend “The Royal Standard Aneroid” with illuminated first letters, the centre of dial marked “Copyright.” Fine blued steel pointer, gilt brass index under heavy bevelled glass.

Conventional Vidie pattern movement driven from a single 2⅝” cell tensioned on a C spring, all raised over a steel chassis. The whole contained within a turned and lacquered mid oak case, bulkhead fixing points at 12 and 6 o’clock. 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 more than acceptably well.

The dial with ageing and some discolouration, minor barely visible marks. The timber case marked and aged, the brass bezel retaining much original lacquer though with some oxidation. The original glass appearing undamaged but with some minor scratches.

Comments: These Royal Standard aneroid barometers come along very infrequently and have become, along with the Shipwrecked Mariners barometers of similar design, the most popular of this type of instrument. Manufactured by Dollond in relatively small numbers, these make up one of a series of barometers offering different and attractive dial decoration.

Dollond is known for superior instruments that have endured, testament to the original design and build quality. This example really has it all – a good historical connection, excellent aesthetics, and undeniably good function and scarcity, all the essential pre-requisites for a most desirable and collectable piece.