Rare Negretti & Zambra desktop weather forecaster with silvered face plate

Collectors of Negretti & Zambra instruments will recognise the rarity of this box model version of the famous weather forecaster. Dating to circa 1915/20 when the'weather forecaster' system was patented, a number of variations were produced and this particular model was made in much smaller numbers than the circular brass or celluloid examples, hence its comparative rarity. As with the other weather forecasters, it's designed to more accurately predict the weather in conjunction with wind direction & barometer readings, which are then set by the two rotating discs, in the upper half, revealing a letter code in the appropriate window, which will correspond to one of the 26 forecasts printed on a rotating drum, and operated by a knob on the side.

Made from a black metal casing it has the original silvered face plate which retains most of it's finish, and all the engraved characters and forecasts are clearly legible. It's signed'NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, LONDON' on the face plate with the inter-twined NZ logo and the patent no 6276/15. Weighing just under 500 grams, it stands just over 5½" high, 3" wide, and there is a keyhole slot in the back making it suitable for hanging on a wall or standing on a desk/table/mantelpiece. Please study the photos as they are part of the description, and I will be happy to answer any questions if I can. Please check out my other auctions for more interesting items.

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