A GEORGE III MAHOGANY MERCURY WHEEL BAROMETER WITH TEN-INCH DIAL

A GEORGE III MAHOGANY MERCURY WHEEL BAROMETER WITH TEN-INCH DIALJames Gatty, London, circa 1805The 10 inch star-centred circular silvered register calibrated in barometric inches with the usual observations within cast brass glazed bezel, the triple-line edged case with hydrometer to the swan neck pediment with adjustment square beneath, over arch glazed silvered Fahrenheit scale spirit thermometer to the baluster-outline upright, the rounded base with recording hand setting key over glazed spirit level signed Ja's Gatty, No. 132 High Holborn, London.98cm (38.5ins) high excluding finial. James Gatty is recorded in Goodison, Nicholas English Barometers 1680-1860 working from 130 and 132 High Holborn. His exact dates or whether he started as an optician or immigrant glassblower are unknown, however a barometer by him was included in the sale of Sir William Chambers s furniture in 1796; a James Gattey is also recorded as working from 64 Tooley Street in 1802. Gatty is considered to be probably the most sought-after maker of early wheel barometers which tend to be of the finest quality.Condition Report: Tube is intact and filled but has airlocks and is currently plugged. The mechanism is intact but will require setting-up. The register is in good condition with some minor concentric discolouration only. The thermometer is also on good condition with some slight blooming to the silvered finish in places. The hygrometer is in similarly good condition with the adjustment fully operational; the spirit level at the base is also in good order albeit with some discolouration to the silvering. The case is generally in good original condition but has some small losses to the parquetry band bordering the lower edge of the pediment and some bruising to the rounded base (including some small veneer losses to the rear). Otherwise faults are very much limited to minor shrinkage, bumps, scuffs and other age related blemishes. Condition Report Disclaimer