£2,700
Fine and rare walnut barometer by John Hallifax of Barnsley, the 8" brass arched dial signed John Hallifax, Barnsley, Invt & Fecit on a silvered convex boss to the arch, over a silvered chapter ring with two tracks inscribed with weather indications; Variable/Snow/Much Snow/Setl'd Frost/Frost and Changeable/Rain/Much Rain/Stormy/Very Dry/Setl'd Fair/Fair, enclosing a matted centre, the trunk also fitted with a 6.75" silvered chapter ring with four tracks and two pierced brass hands, the two outer tracks representing barometric inches, 28-31, enclosing another track divided into decimals with four divisions being signified by the numbers 1 to 9 in each inch, and inner track engraved with four arrowheads in the form of a cross, within a figured and burr walnut case inlaid with ebony and boxwood stringing, surmounted by a caddy top and three brass ball finials, 66" high overall
* John Hallifax of Barnsley was a renowned maker of clocks and barometers. He was born in Springthorpe, Lincolnshire in 1694, the son of a vicar, moving to Barnsley in 1711, possibly after the death of his father, where he was established as a clockmaker. He died in 1750 and the regard to which he is held is evident in the inscription on his tombstone. He had two sons, both of whom became clockmakers
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** Literature references: Nicholas Goodison 'English Barometers and Their Makers, 1680-1860', page 57; Edwin Banfield 'Barometers, Wheel or Banjo', figs 13-17; R.W. Symonds 'Dictionary of English Furniture' second edition, fig 14
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*** There have been several records of this style of barometer by John Hallifax selling at auction including: The Samuel Messer Collection of English Furniture, Clocks & Barometers sold at Christie's, King Street, London on 5th December 1991, lot 12 for £32,000 and at Tennants of Leyburn in their autumn catalogue sale on 18th November 2010, lot 1404 for £40,000
The case has some replaced mouldings and superstructure, but the dial and mechanism look complete and original, see images for guidance, personal viewing advised
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Room and Absentee Bids:
26.4% inc VAT*
Online and Autobids:
26.4% inc VAT*
