Marine barometer having 7½” transfer printed ceramic dial decorated in the classical Victorian manner, the outer part with standard meteorological terms “Stormy, Rain, Change, Fair, Very Dry”. The inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 26 – 31, stations standing on the inch and divided to 50ths”. The inner part with 4 sets of prognostications, the centre with classical decoration. The lower part marked “Aneroid Barometer.” Blued steel pointer and gilt brass index, all set beneath a heavy bevelled glass. Conventional 3” capsule driven movement raised on a cast iron chassis and tensioned on a C spring. The very substantial brass drum form case with heavy bezel and verso-mounted fixing flange brought to flared ring. Calibration port to verso.

Condition: The subject of a complete mechanical and aesthetic overhaul. The dial with crazing to the glaze overall, no visible chips or losses, remaining clean and crisp. The glass a replacement. The brass case essentially remaining damage free and retaining the greater proportion of its original lacquered finish. The movement with more than acceptable levels of accuracy with good progression and sensitivity, see performance chart below.

Comments: Substantial ships’ barometers are really quite rare. This particular example almost certainly the work of the most notable maker Dollond, famous amongst other things for the series of RNLI Fishermans and Shipwrecked Mariners barometers. Indeed, the movement bears more than a striking resemblance to the aforementioned instruments. Interestingly, the small inertial mass attached to the cross shaft seems to be an attribute copied from Naudet, similar devices having been trialled with other makers and, probably for the sake of cost and little perceivable advantage, later deleted from production.

In any event, this very large marine barometer is a most attractive instrument with obvious presence, a rarity on today’s market and most definitely a lot for the collector or connoisseur alike.

Dimensions: 13” diameter x 4¾” deep

Stock No: BA1287

Price: SOLD