A fine early 19th century satinwood banjo barometer with cross banding to the edge. The 11 inch round silvered main dial unusually engraved at the centre with stylised foliate motifs, and indicating the states of the weather from 28 to 31 inches written horizontally in the early style. In the trunk there is a moulded inset thermometer with a Fahrenheit scale and at the top a subsidiary hygrometer dial. The maker’s signature is engraved on a round silvered brass plate and below a spirit level indicator. The elegant banjo shaped case of beautiful colour is surmounted by an bone finial and has a swan neck top terminating in two turned bone paterae. The satinwood veneers are richly patinated and there are seashells with foliate decoration inlaid to each side of the thermometer.
Provenance
Charles Malacrida & Co are listed on page 138 of Edwin Banfield’s ‘Barometer Makers and Retailers’ as working in London and Dublin between 1805 and 1822.
Signed / Inscribed
Malacrida & Co