Lot
1550
A Fine George III Mahogany Bowfront Stick Barometer, signed Ramsden, London, the case trunk with well figured wood of rich colour, the case with cushion moulded cresting, concealed tube with single vernier silvered dial signed Ramsden, London, urn shaped cistern cover flanked by canted corners with ebony inlaid stringing, 98cm high see illustration
Jesse Ramsden (1731d1800) was probably the greatest instrument maker of all time. He was an inventor and wrote various booklets on scientific instruments. He set up his own business in Haymarket, St James's in 1768, and moved to 199 Piccadilly from 1772 until his death in 1800.
An account of Ramsden's work is given in Banfield (Edwin) Barometer Maker's and Retailers, p.179 and Goodison (Nicholas) English Barometers, p.222.
Estimate:
£2500-3500