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Object Overview
The large oak aneroid barometer from 1870, crafted by the renowned firm Negretti & Zambra, is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship. The barometer features a carved oak case with wide frames intricately adorned with oak leaves and acorns, which surround the dial from all sides, adding a touch of natural elegance and detail to the piece.
The dial, made from opal glass with a creamy-white finish, displays a barometric scale in inches of mercury and standard weather indications, written in a Gothic style. The first letter of each weather term is highlighted in a bright red color, creating a striking contrast and emphasizing each term distinctly. Below the dial, there is a curved mercury thermometer with a Fahrenheit scale, adding to the functionality and visual appeal of the instrument. The dial is protected by a sturdy flat glass with beveled edges, set within a brass bezel that provides both durability and refinement. The combination of the flat glass and the brass bezel enhances the overall aesthetic, blending traditional craftsmanship with functional design elements.
This barometer was acquired by a previous private owner in 1903 from the antique shop "De Spil" in the Netherlands, as evidenced by a certificate written on thick late 19th-century paper with watermarks from a paper mill. This certificate serves as a testament to the barometer’s history and provenance, adding to its value and authenticity as a cherished antique.
14750
aneroid capsule tensioned on a C-spring
brass, carved wood, glass, opal glass
Negretti & Zambra were opticians, and optical, mathematical, philosophical, nautical, and photographic instrument makers of London, England. The firm was established in 1850 as a partnership between Henry Negretti and Joseph Zambra. They initially made mostly meteorological instruments such as barometers and thermometers, and were responsible for significant improvements in the designs of these instruments. For these they won awards in the International Exhibitions in both London and Paris. Shortly after the retirement of John Newman in 1859, Negretti & Zambra acquired Newman’s company from his son, John Frederick Newman.
Following the deaths of the founders, the families of Negretti & Zambra continued the business. They began to make optical instruments including telescopes, theodolites, levels, gunsights and others. The company produced a wide range of scientific, mathematical and optical instruments.
Following WWI they decided to discontinue manufacturing optical instruments to focus on industrial, aeronautical, and meteorological instruments. In 1919 Negretti & Zambra was listed as a member of the British Optical Instrument Manufacturers’ Association.
The company of Negretti & Zambra prospered, moving to successively larger premises until the business was taken over in 1981 by Western Scientific.