Barometers Realm

T.B. Winter, (fl.1857-1878), of 55 Grey Street, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England, was a mathematical, nautical, philosophical, and optical instrument maker. In 1858, the business relocated to 21 and 27 Grey Street. 21 Grey Street was the same address as John Cail, a renowned craftsman who had previously worked with Edward Troughton, and whom Winter succeeded in business at that address. In August 1867, Winter purchased Cail’s business, further solidifying his establishment as a leading instrument maker in the region.

According to his trade card dated 1857-1858: “T.B. Winter, 55 Grey Street, Corner of High Bridge, Newcastle on Tyne. Manufacturer of Mathematical, Nautical, Philosophical and Optical instruments. Spectacles to suit all sights. Transit instruments, Theodolites, Levels and circumferentors, Sextants, Quadrants, Compasses and telescopes.”

In 1875, the company was rebranded as T.B. Winter & Son, reflecting the involvement of his son, Charles Winter. Instruments bearing this name include: sextant, barometer, surveyor’s level, pocket compass, barograph, mining dial, opera glasses, surveying protractor, and a triple optic binocular made by Lemaire.

In 1898, the partnership was dissolved, and Charles Winter continued to run the business under the same name, T.B. Winter & Son, maintaining the company’s legacy well into the early 20th century.