Barometers Realm

Barometer’s body is crafted from brass and includes a hanging ring. The delicate rotating fluted bezel on the front is secured to the case with three tiny screws. The bezel incorporates a brass reflective ring and a thin band with an altimeter scale made of silvered brass. Finally, the bezel is topped with protective flat glass with beveled edges.

Barometer’s dial is made of silvered brass and has an unusual stepped design. The barometric scale, graduated to 1/50th of an inch and marked in London inches of mercury, is positioned on the raised portion. Notably, there are no weather-related text indicators on the scale.

The plateau of the dial bears the manufacturer’s name and notes that the barometer is compensated. It also includes a third scale — a Fahrenheit thermometer scale — positioned in a semicircle and accompanied by a mercury thermometer.

The barometer’s indicator hand is made of blued steel, featuring a crescent-shaped feather at its tip.

Another barometer of the same manufacturer can be seen here.

The company Brush & MacDonnell, founded in New South Wales, Sydney in the 1850s, initially specialized in jewelry, optical instruments, and scientific equipment. In 1857, the firm opened a branch in Melbourne, which later became an independent company known as S. Brush and Company, while the Sydney branch came under the management of William MacDonnell and was renamed W. MacDonnell & Co. in 1867. Over time, the company’s focus shifted significantly: jewelry production was discontinued, and attention was directed toward watchmaking, importing, and the creation of optical and scientific instruments such as barometers, thermometers, hygrometers, compasses, telescopes, microscopes, and theodolites.

W. MacDonnell & Co. not only manufactured its own instruments but also served as an agent for the renowned British company Negretti & Zambra, which specialized in optical and scientific instruments, and represented Tann, a maker of fireproof safes. Thanks to the high quality and reliability of its products, the firm enjoyed an excellent reputation throughout the colonies. The company ceased operations around 1891, leaving a significant legacy in the history of Australian science and craftsmanship.