Roseberys London
Lot 83
A George III mahogany stick barometer, by George Adams, London, c.1760, the arched case set with glazed silvered Vernier scale with manual pointer inscribed Geo Adams, Fleet Street, London, with brass cover to top of tube and portable cistern with brass screw, and rounded cover, 96cm high Provenance: with Garner & Marney, London, October 1961. Literature: N. Goodison, English Barometers, 1968, pls. 25-6. N. Goodison, English Barometers, 2nd edition, 1977, pls. 19, 23. Note: George Adams Junior is recorded as being apprenticed to his father, also called George, in 1765 and taking over the family business, at 60 Fleet Street, London, on his father's death in 1773. He continued his father's tradition of producing outstanding instruments and became instrument maker to George III and optician to the Prince of Wales. He died in 1795 leaving the business to his younger brother, Dudley. Sir Nicolas Goodison notes: In 1790 the younger George Adams published A Short Dissertation on the Barometer, Thermometer and other Meteorological Instruments. He calls it in the preface a 'hastily written tract' and published it because his large planned work on meteorology would need many years preparation. In spite of its imperfections it is a valuable source of information and evidence. In it there is a list, with prices, of meteorological instruments made and sold by him. These include 'a plain barometer, covered frame and glass door £2 12s 6d', which seems to tally with this simple but elegant instrument. Please note Roseberys do not guarantee the working condition of barometers offered for sale. This lot contains liquid mercury. If you intend to ship this overseas it is classified as hazardous cargo and will require additional declarations alongside specialist crating/packing. Prior to bidding, please contact your shipper or talk to our specialists for more information.
