A lovely and unusual 8” wheel barometer. At first glance this looks more or like a regular wheel barometer. It has a thermometer, the main dial, and lovely inlay work. The exterior has barber pole edging.However, one’s eye quickly diverts to the top where it is rounded. Gone is the broken pediment or arch. It’s not missing. It simply never had one. “What is going on” will probably be the first thought that springs to mind. The eye naturally shifts to the dial where it reads “P. Manticha, Crown Feathers Court, Holborn, London”. Still, “who is that and what is happening at the top?” It is only upon doing a bit of research one realizes that Peter Manticha was an early barometer maker in London, from 1790 to 1820 or so. Wheel barometers were invented right at the turn of the 19th century and this is one of the “first”. It is the smooth and rounded top that gives it away. Probably made around 1805 or a tad earlier, this is a very early wheel barometer. In truth, it is the earliest banjo barometer we have ever owned. It appears to retain a nice old finish with a slight shading to the darker side. The dial shows a bit of wear with some nickel loss. However, it is a lovely piece and in completely working order. It is 36 ¾” long and 9 ½” wide. All in all, we are very honored to present such an early wheel barometer to the market place. England. Circa 1805.
Price: $3495
If you have any questions or comments and to subscribe to our email list about important updates, recent acquisitions and special deals please fill out the information below.
