Pocket compendiums, marine barometers, wall aneroid barometers, banjo barometers, and mercury stick barometers. Each instrument assessed for maker, age, mechanism type, and condition.
Quality barometers by known makers — Negretti & Zambra, Short & Mason, Dollond, Heath & Co — hold strong collector value. A pocket compendium in its original case can be worth £100–£350. Marine barometers with original gimbals reach £150–£600. Free insured postage. Written valuation. Paid in 72 hours.
Five factors drive barometer values in the current collector market:
Compensated pocket aneroid barometers and compendiums by Negretti & Zambra, Short & Mason, Dollond, and others. The finest examples combine barometer, altimeter, thermometer, and compass in a single instrument with original leather or silver case. Values range from £80 for a plain single-function pocket aneroid to £350+ for a complete Negretti & Zambra compendium with original fitted case.
Ship's barometers in brass gimballed mounts by Kelvin & Hughes, Heath & Co, Negretti & Zambra, and Observator. Both mercury and aneroid marine instruments. Original gimballed wall mounts, bulkhead-mounted barographs, and marine chronometer-style cases add significant value. Working marine barometers with Royal Navy or Merchant Navy markings are especially sought after. Values from £150 to £600 for quality examples.
Banjo barometers — ornate wheel barometers in the characteristic banjo shape. Victorian and Edwardian examples with thermometer, hygrometer, mirror, and spirit level. Makers include Comitti, Negretti & Zambra, and numerous provincial Italian-origin makers. Quality mahogany, rosewood, and inlaid examples are £60–£250.
Stick barometers — mercury stick barometers in wooden cases. Georgian, Regency, and Victorian examples by Dollond, Troughton, Adie, and Nairne & Blunt. The finest are in mahogany or rosewood with ivory or bone register plates and mercury cisterns intact. Values from £200 to £800 depending on maker and condition.
Aneroid wall barometers — circular aneroid barometers for wall mounting. Mid-20th century examples in oak or brass by Smiths, Short & Mason, and others. Simpler instruments typically £20–£60, but quality makers and unusual sizes or formats carry more.
Do not attempt repairs. Barometer mechanisms are precision instruments. Aneroid movements contain hairsprings that are easily damaged by untrained handling. Mercury barometers contain hazardous mercury — never attempt to repair, refill, or transport a mercury barometer without professional guidance.
Do not polish aggressively. A gentle wipe with a dry cloth to remove dust is fine. Do not use metal polish on brass bezels or cases unless you know the original finish — many antique barometers have a lacquered finish that polish will strip, reducing value. Do not clean wooden cases with water or solvents.
Note the maker. Look for a name engraved or printed on the dial face, the back plate, or the case. Maker identification significantly affects value. Photograph the dial, any markings, and the overall instrument from several angles before contacting us.
Tell us what barometer you have — type, maker if known, and any markings. We send a free prepaid, tracked and insured label the same working day.
Protect the glass face with cardboard. Wrap in bubble wrap with 5cm padding. Pocket barometers: use the original case. Mercury instruments: contact us first for specialist packing advice. Insured to £5,000.
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Maker identified. Type and age confirmed. Mechanism assessed. Written valuation with explanation. Accept or decline. Return free. Paid within 72 hours.
Call us on 01234 815116 or email support@fairvintage.co.uk.
Order your free pack →Pocket compendiums by Negretti & Zambra or Short & Mason are typically £80–£350. Marine barometers in original gimballed cases are £150–£600. Victorian banjo barometers range from £60–£250. Mercury stick barometers by known makers can be £200–£800.
Negretti & Zambra pocket compendiums with original cases, marine barometers by Kelvin & Hughes with Royal Navy markings, Georgian stick barometers by Dollond or Troughton, and ornate Victorian banjo barometers with complete thermometer, hygrometer, and spirit level.
Working condition adds value, but non-working instruments are still bought — particularly by known makers with quality cases. Mercury barometers with broken tubes still have housing and maker value. Never attempt repairs on mercury instruments.
Protect the glass face with cardboard. Wrap in bubble wrap with 5cm padding. Pocket barometers: use the original case. Mercury instruments: contact us first — we arrange specialist handling. Insured to £5,000.
Yes — barographs (recording barometers with drum charts) are valued. Quality examples by Negretti & Zambra, Short & Mason, or Richard Frères in original cases with spare charts can be worth £200–£500. Pack carefully to protect the aneroid capsule stack and pen arm.
Order your free insured postage pack. Maker identified, mechanism assessed, condition noted. Written valuation. Paid within 72 hours.