Mahogany Barometer by Francis Amadio of London, circa 1830

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Mahogany Barometer by Francis Amadio of London, circa 1830

About the Item

A very fine Regency period mahogany eight inch silvered dial barometer by Francis Amadio of 118 St John Street, London. With large silvered dial, thermometer, hygrometer and spirit level this precision instrument, with its having a swan neck pediment, makes a wonderfully decorative but eminently practical piece of wall furniture. Maker Francis Amadio, of Italian descent, started his precision instrument business at 10 St. John Street, London in 1820. His son, also Francis, who ran his own business at 63 Moorgate, London, joined his father and moved to new premises at 118, St John road, London in 1828. From here, they traded as Amadio and Son until 1844. Biography In addition to the two Francis, there was another son called Joseph Philip Amadio (1812 - 1892) Joseph Amadio was a successful retailer of microscopes, slides and related equipment, in mid 19 century London. His father, Francis (Francesco), was a well-regarded maker of barometers and thermometers. Both Joseph and his brother, also named Francis, likewise became barometer makers. Joseph later turned to primarily sell microscopes and other optical devices, probably in the mid-1850s. At some point there was a barometer-making partnership of F. Amadio and Son. The younger Francis gave up his barometer and thermometer business in the early 1860s, and was taken in by his brother. For a brief period, from about 1863 until Francis’ death in 1866, the microscope business was known as F. & J. Amadio. Further details of the lives of Joseph and his family follow the descriptions of his microscopes and slides. There are numerous examples of identical microscopes with and without Joseph Amadio’s name on them. Those observations suggest that many or all of his instrument bodies were brought in from outside suppliers. At least one pattern appears to be of French manufacture. Joseph’s training from his father would have primarily dealt with the precision glass work necessary for making barometers and thermometers. So it is logical that Joseph would maximize quality and profit by making lenses and other glass parts himself, and subcontracting production of brass and other metalwork. Two Amadio catalogs have been identified. One printed without a date (evidently the first edition) was likely published in 1858, and the third was published in 1864 (as F. & J. Amadio). Advertisements indicate that the second edition was published in 1860. The 1858 and 1864 catalogs contain essentially the same microscopes, with the 1864 prices being slightly lower than those of 1858. The microscopes were similar to those sold by other manufacturers of the time, of moderate price, and likely to appeal to students and middle-class buyers. Amadio’s slides were all brought in, with makers that included prestigious mounters such as Charles Topping, John Barnett, Joseph Bourgogne and John B. Dancer. Amadio evidently had positive relationships with Charles Dickens and other publishers, who wrote numerous supportive articles about Amadio’s products and undoubtedly helped his sales.

Creator:
Francis Amadio (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 37.5 in (95.25 cm)Width: 10 in (25.4 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
Style:
Regency (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany
Place of Origin:
United Kingdom
Period:
1830-1839
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1830
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Glencarse, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU204635112613