A VICTORIAN BRASS VIDIE-PATTERN ANEROID BAROMETERE.J. DENT, PARIS, CIRCA 1850The 4 inch circular silvered register calibrated in barometric inches with the ual annotations over curved mercury tube FAHRENHEIT'S THERMOMETER, signature E.J. DENT, Paris and serial number 8501, the cylindrical lacquered brass case with recording pointer to the bevelled glass within moulded surround beneath pivoted spension ring.12cm (4.75ins) diameter, 4.5cm (1.75ins) deep.Provenance: The exhibition collection of Barometer World Meum, Merton, Devon.Edward John Dent, who at the age of 17, transferred his apprentice from the trade of tallow chandler to watchmaking under the charge of Edward Gaudin in 1807. By 1817 he had be well known as a watch and clockmaker receivingmissions from the Admiralty for a 'Standard Astronomical Clock' and pocket chronometers for the Colonial Office Africa Expedition. In 1830 Dent went into partner with the renowned watch and chronometer maker John Roger Arnold which continued until 1840 when he left and set up biness alone as E.J. Dent at 82 Strand, London, primarily making marine chronometers, watches and precision clocks. In 1843 the firm expanded taking on a second premises at 33 Cocksur Street, with the Strand premises moving down the road to number 61 by 1851. In 1852 Edward Dent successfully tendered to make the 'great clock' to be hoed in Stephen's tower at the New Palace of Westminster. The clock waspleted by 1859, apparently at a financial loss to the firm, however it ensured that Dent became a hoehold name synonymo with fine clockmaking. Unfortunately Edward John Dent did not live to see the installation of the 'great clock' as he died in 1853. He was succeeded by his stepson Frederick Rippon Dent, who, in partner with his brother Richard, continued to expand the biness. By 1862 the firm had added 34 Cockspur Street and 34 & 35 Royal Exchange to their list of addresses and, although having seen natural passage of owner over the intervening years, the biness still continues to trade today as Dent & Co.This type of aneroid barometer was first invented by Lucien Vidie in 1844 and is considered to be the first of its type; Edward John Dent was granted a license by Vidie produce and market instruments to his design which lasted until Dent's death in 1853.