Huge Late Victorian 10" Dial Brass Aneroid Barometer on Ebonised stand by WJ Hassard Opticians Glasgow

An extremely rare and unusual 10” dial brass aneroid barometer on ebonised stand and copper plated decorative feet by WJ Hassard & Co, Opticians, 209 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow.

Apart from its unusual size this barometer also stands out for its quality of manufacture. It has a beautifully silvered dial with rose engine turned decoration to the centre and is further complemented by a Fahrenheit thermometer surround.

It stands on a specifically manufactured wooden base which has been ebonised to complement the brass case of the barometer and sits on a set of four bold copper plated feet which have been cast with profuse classical decoration.

The inclusion of the Retailers name on such pieces was common throughout the nineteenth century and owing to its size it is sensible to conclude that this may have formed part of WJ Hassard & Co’s shop window display at 209 Sauchiehall Street during the late 1890’s.

We can be certain that the piece was manufactured during this period as the shop was under Hassard’s ownership for a fairly short period from 1894 to 1902. The address had been the site of an optician and scientific instrument makers since the mid nineteenth century where until 1891 a James white Optician had been successfully plying his trade. Upon his death, a Mr Edwards who had previously worked at the premises took over but he too passed away a short time later in 1893. This resulted in J Hassard’s tenure at 209 Sauchiehall St which finally ended on the 24^th January 1902 with a William Roberton taking over the business by mutual consent with an announcement printed in The Gazette. Sadly, little is known of Mr Hassard’s circumstances.

This is one of the most interesting aneroid barometers I have seen in a while and would make a stunning centre piece for a collection. To support the large 10” dial barometer, the stand measure 50cms in height.