Bidspirit auction | Antique Royal Polytechnic Barometer

Antique Royal Polytechnic Barometer - Designed after the iconic meteorological instruments popularized by Admiral Robert FitzRoy, this late Victorian ”Royal Polytechnic Barometer” was manufactured by Joseph Davis & Co., sole manufacturers to the Royal Polytechnic Institution in London. Housed in a hand-carved solid oak case, this impressive wall-hung instrument features a large, highly detailed 9.75” paper dial detailing weather predictions, a mercury column glass tube, twin thermometer scales displaying Fahrenheit and Centigrade readings, and printed Admiral FitzRoy ”Special Remarks” parchment inserts behind the lower glass panel. Included in the lower glass housing is a glass cistern vessel. The wood case shows minor surface wear, age-appropriate patination, and minor dust residue throughout. As noted, a small brass fleur-de-lis decorative mount has detached on the right side just below the mercury reservoir and remains resting loose inside the bottom of the lower glass case. The brass setting key attached by chain functions properly to actuate the left-side weather pointer, though the right-side setting post is missing its protective brass collar and does not grip the post. H 41”, W 13”, D 2.75”. Please see photos for condition. Disclaimer: Due to presence of Mercury in object, it cannot be shipped.