Antique Negretti & Zambra Anemometer, circa 1920

Magnificent Antique Negretti & Zambra Anemometer in Working Order. London, Circa 1920

This curious and attractive device is an antique anemometer, complete and in its original period case. The anemometer is in good condition and works perfectly. It was manufactured in London, England, by the prestigious scientific equipment firm Negretti & Zambra, which became the official supplier to the governments of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII. The anemometer features a compact and practical design, making it perfect for use on expeditions. It is signed by the manufacturer, both on the label inside the wooden case and on the instruments dial.

The anemometer consists of a circular, lacquered iron base, from which three brass legs rise to support the instrument itself. Attached to the top by two iron rods is the propeller, consisting of several blades mounted on an iron ring. The wind data obtained from the movement of the blades is transmitted to the mechanism, which displays the wind speed on the dial face via four dials (one large and three small). The solid mahogany wooden case in which the anemometer is stored is very well preserved. Inside the lid is a label indicating the serial number 1465 (also printed on the dial), the correction to be applied to the reading (add 30 feet/minute), and instructions for use in English.

As intriguing as it is fascinating, this antique Negretti & Zambra anemometer will delight enthusiasts of early 20th-century scientific instruments.

Dimensions: Width: 8 cm. Height: 8 cm.

History of Negretti & Zambra

The firm Negretti & Zambra was founded in 1850 by Henry Negretti (18181879) and Joseph Zambra (18221897), both born in Italy, to manufacture scientific and optical instruments. The business was located in London, and in addition to the instrument manufacturing workshop, it also included a photography studio. The company founded by Negretti and Zambra would go on to become the official supplier to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and later to King Edward VII. It would also serve as an official supplier to the Royal Observatory and the British Admiralty. In addition, the company sent various photographers to document events such as the Opium War, which pitted China against England between 1839 and 1942.