This is Admiral Fitzroy's Royal Polytechnic Barometer. "Joseph Davis & Co." This example is the best that I have seen. The elaborately carved oak case is second to none, and the color is superb. 223001.

Joseph Davis & Company of Kennington Park, London, manufactured this late Victorian "Royal Polytechnic" Admiral Fitzroy barometer. Joseph Davis & Co. is listed as the 'Sole manufacturers of Polytechnic barometers' and was located at this address from 1871 through 1893. 

This case is constructed in oak and has been finished to a high sheen. The woodwork is exceptional and is embellished in several locations with decorative carvings, fully turned columns and numerous finials. A brass bezel protects the silvered affect printed dial display. The bezel is fitted with glass and measures approximately 9.5 inches in diameter. The dial information includes two individual scales that have their own verniers. The verniers or painted red hands are manually adjusted by turning the bone knobs below the dial. The hands are used to mark the current location of the mercury in the large bore glass tube. This tube is centered in the case and is secured with fancy brass fittings. One hand is for Yesterday's reading, and the second is for Today's. Both scales are well-marked and include copies of Admiral Fitzroy's charts. A shield-shaped display is located on the lower left side of the dial. Here, the Joseph Davis & Co. information is provided. Below the circular-shaped display is a large rectangular-shaped box. This is recessed and behind a protective glass panel and pierced trellis work. Located in this section are Admiral Fitzroy's Special Remarks on two panels. Below these are two silvered scaled thermometers. The first is in Centigrade, and the other is in Fahrenheit.

This instrument is now in working order. The case measures approximately 41 inches in length, 12.5 inches wide, and 2 inches deep. Joseph Davis & Co made it circa 1885.

Inventory number 223001.