A very rare dated George II period brass-mounted walnut angle barometer of ‘signpost’ form

This exceptional early 18th century barometer is constructed in highly figured walnut, mounted with bold brass mouldings and detailed brass stringing and inlays throughout. The instrument takes the distinctive angular or ‘signpost’ form pioneered in the 1730s, with a projecting horizontal arm enclosing the full-length silvered register plate. It has red and black wax engraved numerals. It is surmounted by a manually adjustable sickle-shaped pointer. The upright member is fitted with an acorn finial and terminating bulbous plinth, housing the squared cistern internally.

The plate is finely engraved Made by Charles Orme of Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire 1736.

Dated 1736

Height: 37 in (94 cm)

Width: 48 in (121.9 cm)

Depth: 3 ¼ in (8.3 cm)

* This is the earliest known dated example of Orme’s celebrated angle barometers. A comparable instrument is preserved at Calke Abbey, but several further examples are now documented. This barometer was previously in the collection of Robert Belfitt, J.P. of Sheffield and illustrated in The Connoisseur (September 1916). It was subsequently sold in an anonymous sale at Sotheby’s, London, 19 July 1988, lot 260.

For further discussion of Orme’s angle barometers and their relation to mid-18th century brass-inlaid cabinetmaking, see:

• N. Goodison, English Barometers 1680–1860, Woodbridge, 1977, pp.192–196
• C. Gilbert & T. Murdoch, John Channon and Brass-Inlaid Furniture 1730–1760, 1993, lot 260

Sir Nicholas Goodison noted the significance of this model in tracing the evolution of barometric design in early Georgian England.

HW6286