John Merry Ronketti - London. Outstanding and early, inlaid mahogany Wheel Barometer

Impressive and very attractive early inlaid Wheel Barometer. The case of faded, figured mahogany, chequer banded and inlaid with striking stylised flower-head and conch-shell paterae, with cross-grained edges. Inset with well engraved silvered brass Fahrenheit thermometer and signed 8-inch diameter barometer dial, protected by rare glazed wooden bezel.

John Merry [Giovanni Maria] Ronketti immigrated from Lombardy, northern Italy to Holborn, London in 1787. He was a cabinet-maker by trade, specialising in making decorative inlays for furniture, but soon added high quality barometer manufacture. He moved premises into 6 Peter Street, Bloomsbury in 1800.