Antique Anchor Wall Barometer Retailed by Carter c.1865

A very attractive aneroid barometer set in a well-carved walnut anchor form case for W. Carter & Son, Salisbury, c.1865. Aneroid barometer having 4¼” printed coated card dial, the barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 26” – 31” divided down to 1/50th, standard meteorological terms, fine blued steel pointer, the upper part marked “W. Carter,” the lower “Salisbury.” Bevelled glass set with gilt telltale and knurled adjustment knob, retained in brass bezel. Substantial early Vidie movement driven from a single 1¾” capsule tensioned on a coil spring acting on a heavy cast iron bridge. The whole set in a well carved walnut frame in the form of an anchor with flukes, shank, stock and ring with draped chains. The verso with three movement fixing ferules, compensation screw and bulkhead-style mounting. Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions. The barometer working extremely well across almost all the range, see performance chart from dynamic test. The barometer dial with some losses and ageing, the glass generally clear with some light marks, and minor chips to under-edge at 5 and 10 o’clock. The brass bezel with some fine cracks though structurally sound. Bezel fixing pin replaced with all three ferrules. The timber case in very good condition with lovely mellow tones and patina. Comments: This is a very handsome piece in lovely antique condition, working exceptionally well by any standard despite being over 150 years old. The proportions are good and the piece has strong aesthetic appeal. A lovely instrument adding instant focus in any room with the added advantage of obvious practicality, and a wonderful gift for the maritime enthusiast. W. Carter & Son is one of the oldest family businesses in Wiltshire, trading from its Minster Street premises since 1817. Over more than 200 years, it has been a watch and clockmakers, jewellers, silversmiths and opticians, and remains today a flourishing jewellers.