Contact Seller
Jason Clarke Antiques
Tel07815 046645Please quote Antiques Atlas.
Victorian Cased Pocket Galvanometer by Alfred Apps London
Victorian Gold Pedometer by Negretti & Zambra
1862 Exhibition Medal for Smith Beck & Beck
Lind's Pattern Anemometer by Negretti & Zambra
Rare Cord Siren By Max Kohl
Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English, Mathematical
Antique Scholar's Microscope, English, Brass
Antique Wrap Reel Machine, English, Factory
Of Scientific Interest. Mahogany Case Chondrometer
Regency Double Turn Folding Gold Balance
Bate's Patent Saccharometer by Ludwig Oertling
Victorian Faradays Egg Experiment by William Ladd
Non UK callers :
+44 7815 046645
Rare Pedestal Anemometer by J Hicks of London
For sale, an extraordinarily rare pedestal anemometer by J Hicks of 8,9 & 10 Hatton Garden, London.
It is described in Hick’s catalogues as follows
“The face of this ingenious instrument closely resembles that of the 5-dial Air Meter, and is similarly constructed, with the exception of the fan wheel being replaced by four hemispherical cups placed at the top. The instrument is attached to a brass stand, in which form it will be found particularly convenient in many places.”
Presumably intended as a miniature form of the Robinson’s cup anemometer with the compactness of the miner’s air meter dial, this example seems a little too fragile for field use, which would likely account for its rarity despite its superb aesthetics. The iron-filled, weighted brass is contrived to unscrew from the upper platform with the catalogue images suggesting that it may have had an auxiliary screw to allow for field attachment. Despite the impracticality, this is the only example of this instrument I have ever encountered. A truly rare piece from the Hicks catalogues of the turn of the Twentieth Century.
The maker, James Joseph Hicks was born in Cork, Ireland in 1837 to a poor farming family and was sent to London for schooling. He was apprenticed to the famous Louis P Casella where he remained until 1861. In that short time he had already risen to become Casella’s foreman, showing just how able the young Hicks was. He began to trade in his own right in around 1861-1862 at 8 Hatton Gardens, London and was respected enough by 1864 to have been granted membership to The British Meteorological Society.
Highly skilled in the development and the improvement of scientific instruments, Hick’s business was large enough by 1880 to have over 300 employees on the books. A shrewd marketer, he was present at eight Royal Society Exhibitions during the period, 1876 – 1913 and extended his reach overseas by attending numerous world trade fairs. He won a gold medal at the 1900 Paris exhibition.
In 1910 at the age of 73, he successfully negotiated a merger between his company and the equally famous WF Stanley and remained a director of the company that retained his name until his death in 1916.
During his life he established a near monopoly on clinical thermometers leading to Hick’s being dubbed, “King of the Clinicals”.
Hicks was a maker of extraordinary talent and this instrument bears testament to his skills. A rare example in superb order both mechanically and aesthetically.
SellerJason Clarke Antiques
View all stock from
Jason Clarke Antiques
Private dealer
By appointment only
Newbury
Berkshire
Tel : 07815 046645
Non UK callers : +44 7815 046645
It is described in Hick’s catalogues as follows
“The face of this ingenious instrument closely resembles that of the 5-dial Air Meter, and is similarly constructed, with the exception of the fan wheel being replaced by four hemispherical cups placed at the top. The instrument is attached to a brass stand, in which form it will be found particularly convenient in many places.”
Presumably intended as a miniature form of the Robinson’s cup anemometer with the compactness of the miner’s air meter dial, this example seems a little too fragile for field use, which would likely account for its rarity despite its superb aesthetics. The iron-filled, weighted brass is contrived to unscrew from the upper platform with the catalogue images suggesting that it may have had an auxiliary screw to allow for field attachment. Despite the impracticality, this is the only example of this instrument I have ever encountered. A truly rare piece from the Hicks catalogues of the turn of the Twentieth Century.
The maker, James Joseph Hicks was born in Cork, Ireland in 1837 to a poor farming family and was sent to London for schooling. He was apprenticed to the famous Louis P Casella where he remained until 1861. In that short time he had already risen to become Casella’s foreman, showing just how able the young Hicks was. He began to trade in his own right in around 1861-1862 at 8 Hatton Gardens, London and was respected enough by 1864 to have been granted membership to The British Meteorological Society.
Highly skilled in the development and the improvement of scientific instruments, Hick’s business was large enough by 1880 to have over 300 employees on the books. A shrewd marketer, he was present at eight Royal Society Exhibitions during the period, 1876 – 1913 and extended his reach overseas by attending numerous world trade fairs. He won a gold medal at the 1900 Paris exhibition.
In 1910 at the age of 73, he successfully negotiated a merger between his company and the equally famous WF Stanley and remained a director of the company that retained his name until his death in 1916.
During his life he established a near monopoly on clinical thermometers leading to Hick’s being dubbed, “King of the Clinicals”.
Hicks was a maker of extraordinary talent and this instrument bears testament to his skills. A rare example in superb order both mechanically and aesthetically.
Price
Arrange a final price and delivery details directly with the dealer
Click here to message the seller
The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 12/MAY/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Category Scientific Antiques
Period Early 20th Century Antiques
Material Brass and Iron
Origin English
Maker J Hicks
Item code as542a884
Status For Sale
£1750.00 
$2366.88
€2016.70
$2366.88
€2016.70
Looking to Buy?
Payment with PayPal is availableArrange a final price and delivery details directly with the dealer
Click here to message the seller
Conversion rates as of 12/MAY/2026. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
View all stock from
Jason Clarke Antiques
Private dealerBy appointment only
Newbury
Berkshire
Tel : 07815 046645
Non UK callers : +44 7815 046645
You may also be interested in
Victorian Cased Pocket Galvanometer by Alfred Apps London
Victorian Gold Pedometer by Negretti & Zambra
1862 Exhibition Medal for Smith Beck & Beck
Lind's Pattern Anemometer by Negretti & Zambra
Rare Cord Siren By Max Kohl
Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English, Mathematical
Antique Scholar's Microscope, English, Brass
Antique Wrap Reel Machine, English, Factory
Of Scientific Interest. Mahogany Case Chondrometer
Regency Double Turn Folding Gold Balance
Bate's Patent Saccharometer by Ludwig Oertling
Victorian Faradays Egg Experiment by William Ladd