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Object Overview
Royal desk barometer in a leather case with silver inlays, manufactured in 1909, signed by the renowned London company J.C. Vickery, is crafted from polished brass. It features elegantly turned-out feet and is equipped with a hanging ring for added versatility. The barometer boasts an open silvered brass dial, adorned with standard meteorological terms engraved in uppercase letters at the top. Decorative swirls and ornaments, characteristic of the late Victorian era, add visual accents.
The semi-circular barometric scale is calibrated in London inches of mercury, ranging from 28 to 31 inches, and is signed with the J.C. Vickery name and their Royal Warrant. Below the barometer scale is a semi-circular thermometer, calibrated in Fahrenheit with a centigrade scale and corresponding markings. The dial is framed by a reflective silvered brass bezel, protected by flat glass with beveled edges set in a brass frame. At the center of the glass is a brass trend indicator with an adjustment knob. A blued steel pointer gracefully sweeps across the dial.
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aneroid capsule tensioned on a C-spring
brass, glass, leather, silver, silvered brass
The standard lever movement operates through a 2.5-inch single sensitive aneroid capsule, tensioned by a polished brass C spring. The bridge spanning the aneroid chamber to the central pointer support is shaped like a guitar, with rounded edges and smooth cutouts—a form characteristic of mechanisms made by Short & Mason, who most likely manufactured the barometer itself, while J.C. Vickery provided the “royal” presentation case.
The exquisite case is a wooden box covered in leather, ornamented with silver inlays, including a crown symbol and a delicate carrying handle. On a silver band, distinct British hallmarks are visible:
J.C. Vickery was a London company of impeccable reputation, offering luxury items ranging from jewelry and travel accessories (including pocket barometers) to small furniture. Founded in 1890 by John Collard Vickery and Arthur Thomas Hobbs, the company took over William Griggs’ stationery shop at 183 Regent Street.
J.C. Vickery held numerous Royal Warrants, including those from the King and Queen of England (Edward VII and Alexandra), as well as the monarchs of Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and the Prince and Princess of Schleswig-Holstein.
A Royal Warrant is a special royal patent or authorization to produce goods for the British Royal Family. This designation indicated that the company’s products were of exceptional quality and worthy of royal patronage. A seal or mark with the Royal Warrant is a testament to the company's prestige and high standards of craftsmanship.