Barometers Realm

This exquisite aneroid barometer with rope-pattern frame, crafted around 1878 by the renowned artisan A. Casartelli, epitomizes the harmonious blend of functionality and artistry characteristic of late 19th-century meteorological instruments. Encased in a solid oak body, the barometer features a meticulously hand-carved rope motif that encircles the entire structure, creating a sense of movement and tactile depth. The rope-pattern frame, with its intricate twists and turns, not only highlights the woodworker’s skill but also symbolizes strength and continuity — a fitting metaphor for the enduring reliability of this scientific tool.

At the heart of the barometer lies a dial made of opalescent, milky-white porcelain, radiating an understated elegance. The dial showcases a scale in London inches of mercury, an enduring standard of precision from the Victorian era. Complementing the scale, traditional textual weather indicators are inscribed in Gothic script, with an artful emphasis on the initial letters of each term. This typographic flourish imbues the piece with a timeless dignity, while the script's historical charm evokes the scholastic rigor of earlier centuries.

Adding to the dial’s sophistication, its lower section bears the hallmark influence of Robert Fitzroy, the pioneering meteorologist and innovator behind modern weather prediction. Here, concise predictive phrases serve as a tribute to Fitzroy’s legacy, encapsulating his groundbreaking contributions in a form that is both practical and poetic. These phrases provide the observer not only with raw data but also with interpretive guidance — a testament to the barometer’s dual role as a scientific instrument and a tool of human insight.

Protecting this porcelain masterpiece is a flat glass cover with beveled edges, enhancing the dial’s readability while adding a subtle sparkle that catches the light. The glass is elegantly housed within a polished brass bezel, its smooth curvature juxtaposed against the dynamic texture of the carved oak frame. The brass bezel, gleaming with a warm, antique patina, underscores the barometer's rich materiality and ties the piece to the industrial achievements of the 19th century.

The overall composition is one of balance and refinement. The robust oak frame, with its nautical rope motif, anchors the barometer in a tradition of maritime craftsmanship, while the porcelain dial and brass fittings lend an air of sophistication and modernity. Together, these elements create a barometer that is not merely a tool but a piece of decorative art, embodying both the scientific aspirations and the aesthetic ideals of its time.

The Casartelli family, originally from Tavernerio, Italy, were engaged in the manufacturing of scientific and optical instruments in England. Louis Casartelli (1821–1848), also known as Lewis or Luigi Antonio, was an optician and a maker of philosophical instruments. He took over the business in Manchester, previously owned by Baptist Ronchetti, upon the latter’s retirement around 1810. Around 1815, he exchanged his business with Charles Joshua Ronchetti and moved to Liverpool. His successors were partners Anthony and Joseph Casartelli (1845–1849) at 20 Duke Street.

Joseph Louis Casartelli (1823–1900), also known as Giuseppe Luigi, was the most prominent member of the family. He emigrated from Tavernerio to join the family business in the production of barometers and thermometers in Liverpool. In 1851, he married Jane Harriet Ronchetti. In 1852, he succeeded Charles Joshua Ronchetti in his business.

Joseph Casartelli’s company produced optical instruments, including microscopes, telescopes, cameras, and microphotograph slides. They also sold instruments made by other manufacturers but branded with their name.

Joseph Louis Casartelli’s son, Joseph Henry, joined the business in 1882. In 1896, Joseph Henry became a partner, and the business began trading under the name “Joseph Casartelli & Son“. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the firm continued its operations, splitting into three separate companies: two in Manchester and one in Liverpool, which later became known as Casartelli Instruments Ltd.