A VICTORIAN OAK MERCURY 'ADMIRAL FITZROY'S STORM BAROMETER' Negretti and Zambra, London, circa 1870 The arched bevel-glazed double ceramic Vernier scales flanking the large bore mercury tube, each calibrated in barometric inches and with the usual observations, the lower margins annotated ADD ONE TENTH FOR, EACH HUNDRED, FEET ABOVE, THE SEA and 10 A.M YESTERDAY and 10 A.M TO DAY over PATENT No. 1481 and with signature NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, INSTRUMENT MAKERS, TO HER MAJESTY, HOLBORN VIADUCT E.C., 122 REGENT ST. W, & 59 CORNHILL E.C., LONDON to upper margin, the apex of the arch further inscribed ADMIRAL FITZROY'S, STORM BAROMETER., the trunk with Vernier setting squares to throat above applied glazed mercury tube Fahrenheit scale thermometer further signed NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, LONDON to upper margin and with ogee moulded crests to the upper and lower rails, the base with rectangular ogee moulded cistern cover over conforming base moulding with level adjustment screw to underside. 102cm (40ins) high. Provenance: The Selwyn Demmy Collection. The firm of Negretti & Zambra are recorded in Banfield, Edwin BAROMETER MAKERS AND RETAILERS 1660-1900 as being established in 1850 when a partnership between Enrico Negretti and Joseph Warren Zambra was formed. The firm became one of the most prolific makers of scientific instruments and continued trading well into the 20th century. The current lot is a textbook example of a Fishery or Sea Coast storm barometer devised by Admiral Robert Fitzroy in the 1860`s to aid mariners in the forecasting of storms. Fitzroy lobbied the Board of Trade resulting in this type of barometer being supplied (at public expense) to many coastal communities for display in a prominent public space. In addition to this The Royal Lifeboat Institution installed these barometers into each of its stations and the Duke of Northumberland (in association with the British Meteorological Society) erected several on the coast of Northumberland. By 1864 over 80 barometers had been installed by the Board of Trade and a further 14 by the Duke of Northumberland with their usefulness fully appreciated in Fitzroy's Meteorological Office Report published that year. Condition Report: The tube is filled with no apparent airlocks and both Vernier slides are fully operational however there is only one key present. The arched signature plate has some slight hairline cracking to the lower right hand corner which can only really be seen on very close examination being behind the bevel cut of the glass. The thermometer is in good condition although the tube is probably a replacement. The case is in good original condition with only minor bumps, scuffs and other age related blemishes. Condition Report Disclaimer