A sunny auction day is predicted for a barometer with pedigree made in Derby more than 200 years ago.
The early 19th century – circa 1810 – John Whitehurst and Sons stick barometer has been discovered in the county after being cared for by the same Derbyshire family for more than 100 years.
It has no serial number as it is so early it was made before Whitehurst’s used them. It has the original ball cover to the mercury compartment.
John Whitehurst (1713-1788) was a world-leading maker of clocks, atmospheric barometers and instruments who started a business in Derby in 1736. His brilliance led him to becoming a member of the Lunar Society, a group of prominent figures in the Midlands Enlightenment. The industrialists, natural philosophers and intellectuals met regularly between 1765 and 1813.
Whitehurst’s nephew, John, took over the business, which traded as Whitehurst and Son from circa 1805, and his son, also John, continued the business up to the mid-19th century.
Hansons’ senior valuer Karl Martin says the item, made by John Whitehurst’s son, is important as it is completely original with no replacement parts. It will be offered in Hansons’ October 14 Derbyshire Fine Art Auction and is expected to achieve £1,000-£1,500.
Clocks and barometers expert Mike Wetton will be offering free valuations at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, on October 7, 10am-1pm. To book an appointment, or to arrange a virtual valuation, email: [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
Free valuations of musical instruments, fishing ephemera, rural bygones and tools are also available on October 7, 10am-1pm, with Derrick Hale. To arrange any type of valuation or a home visit to assess large collections or items, email [email protected].
