Y A VICTORIAN CARVED OAK MERCURY STICK BAROMETER Dollond, London, third quarter of the 19th century With foliate scroll carved upstand and egg-and-dart moulded cornice over leaf-carved surround for the rectangular bevel-glazed double ivory Vernier scales flanking the large bore mercury tube, each calibrated in barometric inches and with the usual observations, the upper margins annotated 10 A.M Yesterday and 10 A.M To Day beneath signature DOLLOND. LONDON, the trunk with carved shield and Vernier setting squares flanked by scroll-carved corbels to throat above applied glazed mercury tube FAHRENHEIT and CENTIGRADE scale thermometer decorated with further leafy crests to both the upper and lower rails, the base of shaped cartouche outline applied with generous leafy scroll carved cistern cover incorporating twin finials to shoulders and with level adjustment square to underside. 114cm (45ins) high. Provenance: The Selwyn Demmy Collection. Peter Dollond is recorded in Banfield, Edwin BAROMETER MAKERS AND RETAILERS 1680-1860 as born 1730 and died 1820. He was the son of John Dollond, a Huguenot silk weaver and started business as an optician in 1750. He was joined by his father in 1752 until his death in 1761, and then by his brother, John, until his death in 1804. The family businesss was continued by Peter Dollond's nephew, George Huggins, who changed his surname to Dollond. George Dollond became instrument maker to William IV and Queen Victoria, exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851 and died 1856. The current lot is provided with two scales to allow change in barometric pressure to be recorded as designed by Admiral Fitzroy for his 'storm barometers' which he devised in around 1857. Condition Report: Instrument is filled with no apparent bubbles or airlocks to the mercury column. The register plates are in fine original condition with very minimal yellowing/discolouration to the ivory; both Vernier slides are operational. The thermometer is in fine condition. The case is in fine original condition with only very minor bumps, scuffs and age related wear. Condition Report Disclaimer