Very Large Antique "Zambrene" Wall Barometer c.1910

A scarce 15″ diameter oak cased "Zambrene" advertising wall barometer by Aitchison & Co c.1910. Very large aneroid barometer having 11½" vitreous glass printed and enamelled dial, illuminated standard meteorological terms, the barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 28″ – 31″ divided down to 1/50th, marked to centre with “Wear Zambrene” clothing exhortations, and to bottom, "Zambrene Barometer" and "Instrument by Aitchison & Co, Opticians to H.M. Govt, London & Provinces," decorations and illumination generally in monochrome, deep red and orange. Blue steel pointer, lacquered brass bezel. The conventional Vidie pattern movement driven from a single 1¾" capsule tensioned on a C spring. All contained within a turned medium oak case, three mounting plates, calibration port to verso. Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, comprehensive rebuild, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test. The movement replaced with an almost identical original unit, with more than acceptable accuracy across the range. The dial crisp, clean and damage free, some losses to lettering at the bottom, overall the colours retain good saturation and clarity. The bezel re-lacquered, the pointer with small repair at centre. The oak case with signs of shrinkage horizontally, having been repaired and stabilised. Now presenting as crisp, clean, and working well. Comments: Very large sized aneroid wall barometers are unusual – the vast majority have not survived the years particularly well, the main issue being shrinkage of the cases across the grain which displaces dials and can actually immobilise movements which in turn may fail due to various reasons. Almost all similar sized instruments have, as this one has, required a considerable amount of work to bring the piece back into good working order. As well as being scarce in 15″ diameter size, this instrument is aesthetically very pleasing, and a wonderful and practical addition to any collection of advertising memorabilia, standing well alone or with a collection of enamels and posters, etc.