Rare Presentation Rnli Aneroid Fishermans Barometer by Negretti & Zambra

For sale, a unique Victorian presentation RNLI Aneroid Barometer by Negretti & Zambra of London – No. 11751.

Comprised of a five inch porcelain dial with painted scale showing 26 to 31 inches of barometric pressure. Unlike most of its kind this barometer is not detailed to the upper portion of the dial with the words, Fisherman’s Aneroid Barometer however it retains the serial number (11751) and company name of Negretti & Zambra London to the base. The barometer movement is enclosed within a painted zinc case with thick brass bezel and bevelled glass front with brass set hand.

Most of these barometers were provided to fisherman by The Meteorological Office to give them clearer warning of inclement weather and as a means of keeping fisherman safe at sea. The fact that this example does not contains the words, “Fishermans Aneroid Barometer” are made clear by the brass plaque affixed to the top of the case. It reads:

“Presented by The Royal National Life Boat Institution to Captain Thomas Todd, Master of the Steam Tug Tipper of Newhaven in acknowledgement of his kind co-operation – 1883.”

The circumstances under which Captain Todd received his award are replicated from The Lifeboat or Journal of The National Lifeboat Institution – May 1st 1884

“Nov. 25 1883 - Intelligence was received this day at the Eastbourne Life-boat Station that a large foreign barque was riding at her anchors off Beachy Head Lighthouse, in a very dangerous position, with a signal of distress flying. With as little delay as possible, the crew of the William and Mary Life-boat were mustered, and the boat, mounted on its transporting carriage, started for Birling Gap, drawn by seven horses. The route taken was through Meads, where three additional horses were procured, and with thin extra power she speedily mounted the hill, and crossed the downs to Birling Gap, a distance altogether of five miles. There the boat was obliged to be taken off her carriage, as the Gap had to be widened to admit even of the passage of the boat, and the incline was very sharp. The lower part of the Gap had been washed away by the sea, but this difficulty was overcome by using some long pieces of timber which were fortunately on the spot. Under the superintendence of the coxswain the boat was, by great exertions, got safely down to the beach, and was launched at 1.15. The wind was blowing a gale from the S.S.W., and a tremendous sea was rolling in. At about 2 o'clock, after a very hard straggle against the head sea, the mid-ship oars being double- banked, the vessel was reached; she was then opposite the Gap, about a mile from shore, labouring heavily in the seas with two anchors down, sails torn, and spars carried away, A storm of rain then came on, and the vessel and Life-boat were hidden from the view of the spectators who lined the cliffs. After a period of suspense, the Life-boat was seen making for the shore, and in gallant style she took the beach almost close to the spot from whence she had started, and landed the rescued crew of eleven men. The Life-boat had anchored as close as possible to the vessel, and the crew were then hauled into her. The poor fellows, who were in a very exhausted state, one of them having sustained a fracture of the ribs, were taken to the Coastguard Station, where they received every attention from the Chief Officer and the Coastguardmen. The Life-boat was got up the Gap with considerable difficulty, and arrived back at her station about 7.30. The distressed vessel was the barque New Brunswick, of Brevig, 480 tons, bound from Quebec to West Hartlepool, with a cargo of deals. Subsequently, on the weather moderating, the ship and cargo were taken safely to Newhaven by the tug and Life-boat from there.—Expense of service, 35. 15s. 4d”

The story provided by the RNLI during this period gives a very matter of fact account of the rescue