Substantial first quality ships barometer having 4½” engraved and silvered dial, the barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 28 to 31, with stations at the inch and divided to 100ths, annotated “Stormy, Rain, Change, Fair, Set Fair.” Signed towards the centre by the maker “Callaghan & Co,” the lower portion with maker’s address “23a New Bond Street, Corner of Conduit Street, London.”

Index drive mechanism

Typical bold blued-steel pointer with silver plated telltale actuated from remote knob set to six o’clock position. Heavy bevelled glass maintained within a substantial fixed brass bezel. Conventional single 2½” capsule driven movement of principally brass construction and set on a steel chassis, the cock struck with serial no. “7224,” bimetallic temperature compensation. The dial verso with Callaghan index drive mechanism comprising a series of pulleys set to a sub-chassis and connected by a fine waxed cord, the setting knob removable on a square. Heavy spun brass case, the verso set with three fixing points and compensation port.

The whole contained within its original oak deck case having Callaghan green velvet lining to lid. Snap closure on a button release.

These ships barometers are certainly rare, made in small numbers typically between 1870 and the earlier 20th century as a ship’s chronometer companion. Often found on larger yachts and motor boats, they were the compact answer to the more commonly encountered and fragile gimballed mercurial barometers of the day. This instrument, by one of the world’s preeminent makers, with quality of construction and accuracy of function coupled with wonderful aesthetics, sets a standard which others tried to emulate.

The dial with a minor scratch to the lower extremity at six o’clock, the brass case retaining virtually all its original lacquer though with some light scratches, the movement sensitive with stepless progression, the function of the telltale smooth and precise. The oak case having some marks and obvious signs of age but retaining a good proportion of its original lacquered finish, the velvet lid lining with some fading but sound. One fixing tab lacking the correct screw but secure.

Overall crisp and original, serviced and calibrated, and in excellent working order. This ship’s barometer is most definitely a collector’s piece.

Dimensions: 6½” wide x 7½” deep x 3” high

Stock No: BA0749

Price: Vavasseur Archive