BY GEORGE ADAMS II, CIRCA 1780

Details

A GEORGE III IVORY-MOUNTED MAHOGANY BAROMETER
BY GEORGE ADAMS II, CIRCA 1780
With rectangular case surmounted by a scrolled broken pediment centred by an urn, the glazed rectangular door to the silvered Vernier scale signed 'G. Adams London', flanked by a mercurial thermometer, the cistern cover with ivory mercury float
40 in. (102 cm.) high

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis

Lot Essay

George Adams II (1750-1795) was the son of George Adams I (1704-1772). They both worked at Tycho Brahe's Head, Fleet Street, moving to 60 Fleet Street. Both were mathematical instrument makers to George III and George Adams II was also optician to the Prince of Wales, later George IV and was succeeded by his younger brother Dudley in both the business and the appointments. In 1790, George Adams II published an essay entitled A Short Dissertation on the Barometer, Thermometer, and other Meteorological Instruments (N. Goodison, English Barometers, 1660-1860, Woodbridge, rev. ed., 1977, pp. 126 -127).
A related barometer by George Adams II was sold anonymously, Christie's London, 12 November 1998, lot 111.

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