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Verre Eglomise Wheel Barometer by John Russell of Falkirk, Scotland.

A fine and extremely rare Regency period wheel barometer by John Russell of Falkirk, barometer maker to the Prince Regent. This elegant barometer has a frame veneered in figured mahogany, with ebony stringing, and is surmounted by a bronze and gilded Prince of Wales feathers. Further decoration includes glazed panels of Verre eglomise. 

The silvered and engraved circular dial is surrounded by a moulded brass bezel and is fully signed 'Jno Russell Falkirk, Watch maker to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent' to the centre, with wheatear engraved outside border. The scale is calibrated to read between 28 and 31 inches of mercury. 

John Russell (1745 - 1817) began his career as a blacksmith but would become one of the best known clock and watch makers of his day. He had a shop in Falkirk from about 1770. He made clocks for the Prince of Wales, one of which was at Carlton House, the prince's London home. 

Russell was best known for his wheel barometers, the most elaborate of which were described as 'royal barometers', since Russell had presented two of the to King George III and the Prince of Wales. These are still in the Royal Collection, and have similar verre eglomise panels below the register plate and enclosing the thermometer. Other examples of Russell's work can be seen at the Victoria and Albert Museum, in London. 

This superb example was on display at 'The Three Georges: Clockmaking in Hanoverian England 1714 - 1820' Exhibition at Raffety Clocks. 

Medium

Mahogany

Dated

1810

Literature

Nicholas Goodison, English Barometers 1680 - 1860 (Woodbridge, 1977) 

Cedric Jagger, Royal Clocks: The British Monarchy and its Timekeepers 1300 - 1900 (London, 1983) 

Ralph Edwards, Georgian Furniture (London, 1951)

Condition

Excellent

Height: 47.00inch (119 cm) 

Price on application





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The BADA Standard

  • Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
  • Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
  • Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
  • Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
  • Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
Click here for more information on the BADA Standard