Object Description
A good quality rosewood veneered mercurial wheel barometer, having a case that is intricately inlaid in boxwood, depicting scrolling leaves and flowers including a horse and swan.
Found written on an old slip of paper in the back, inscribed behind the dial: (R) P. CARUGHI, 125 High Holborn , London. Repaired: 14th. August 1840 – J. Croce, York. Also repaired December 1844, J. Croce, York.
Paul Carughi, (fl: 1839-1860), was recorded as working at five various addresses in London and was in partnership with Andrew Gugeri, (fl: 1844-1845), and was then succeeded by John Cetta in 1860, a looking glass, barometer and thermometer maker. He in turn was succeeded by Wheelhouse and Bercini, who worked in Hatton Garden, London, circa 1860, also a barometer and thermometer maker.
The top, with an architectural pediment, has a brass urn finial above a hygrometer with a silvered thermometer below. The silvered dial, engraved in the traditional manner, has a setting hand and a bone knob for adjustments. The brass framed spirit level at the base is engraved, L. Luppi Hull, who was a member of the Luppi family of barometer makers of Hull, active in the mid 19th century. The barometer is in full working order and the rosewood veneer has a good colour retaining a patination.