A RARE VICTORIAN WROUGHT IRON AND BRASS WAYWISER OR HODOMETER

A RARE VICTORIAN WROUGHT IRON AND BRASS WAYWISER OR HODOMETERNegretti and Zambra, London, mid to late 19th centuryWith 22.75 inch diameter iron-rimmed solid-spoked wheel pivoted between forks fitted with rectangular oxidised brass case enclosing worm gear for the circular revolving register calibrated from zero to 220 YARDS with the centre cut with a sector revealing scales for miles and furlongs reading against an integral fixed pointer, set behind pivoted cover incorporation circular glazed porthole and engraved NEGRETTI AND ZAMBRA, LONDON to lower margin, with iron upright forged in one-piece with the forks terminating with a cross-piece handle fitted with wooden grips.90cm (35.5ins) high, 18cm (7ins) wide overall. The firm of Negretti & Zambra are recorded in Banfield, Edwin BAROMETER MAKERS AND RETAILERS 1660-1900 as being established in 1850 when a partnership between Enrico Negretti and Joseph Warren Zambra was formed. The firm became one of the most prolific makers of scientific instruments and continued trading well into the 20th century.Condition Report: Instrument is in fine complete original working condition retaining original finishes to the brass mechanism albeit in dirty/discoloured condition. The ironwork has been repainted in satin black and the rim of the wheel has evidence of historic rusting (is pitted) to a section of the rim (approx. 9 ins in length) commensurate with the item being stored with the rim on a damp floor for a period of time. This pitting, although noticeable through the paint, does not affect the operation of the instrument. Condition Report Disclaimer