A very good unusual lacquered brass ships aneroid bulkhead barometer by Negretti & Zambra for Benzie, Cowes c1885

Aneroid barometer having 7¾” silvered and engraved dial, the barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 25” – 31” divided down to 1/50th, standard meteorological terms, further marked “Benzie” and “Cowes,” the centre with geometric star pattern. Blued steel pointer, gilt brass index, heavy bevelled glass.

The wooden block-mounted movement of conventional Vidie pattern driven from a single 2⅞” nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring. Presented in a deep bronze lacquered circumferentially ribbed drum form case, tri-fixing points.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test. The movement working exceptionally well across the standard 28” – 31” range, some noted drift at lower pressures consistent with most instruments of this age. The dial clean and crisp, minor marks only. The case retaining most of its original lacquered finish.

Comments: A very unusual and aesthetically attractive instrument, the depth of which designed to match ships clocks.