Loading
Object Overview
This incredibly beautiful mahogany cistern barometer, dating to around 1860, was crafted by the British company T.B. Winter, based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. It stands as one of the finest examples of the art of barometer-making, rooted in masterful craftsmanship and traditional techniques.
The barometer’s case is veneered with premium mahogany, distinguished by its deep hue and rich texture. Its defining features include an arched top, where the register plates are positioned, and a solid mahogany protective cover at the bottom, concealing the boxwood cistern.
The original, exceptionally wide barometric tube (15 mm in diameter with a 5 mm inner bore) is securely hidden within the body of the barometer. The leather-bottomed cistern is adjustable via an integrated screw, with its pin protruding from the very bottom of the case. For transportation, the ivory handle, which is normally used for adjusting the vernier scale, must be removed and fitted onto the pin at the base. Rotating it clockwise raises the screw with a brass plate, pressing against the leather bottom of the mercury reservoir to secure it. This ingenious multi-purpose handle design is commonly found in antique mercury barometers.
n/a
sifon
glass, ivory, wood
The face of the barometer consists of two luxurious broad register plates, set at an angle and crafted from ivory. These plates feature exquisite engravings, including a barometric scale in London inches of mercury, divided into tenths, as well as a standard weather indication text, beautifully executed in a Gothic script with sharp angles and thickened serifs. The vernier scale, operated by a rack mechanism, is controlled via the aforementioned ivory handle, positioned just below the register plates.
The register plates are protected by exceptionally thick sodium glass, with a high iron oxide content, giving it a distinct tint. The glass is further enhanced by wide beveled edges, adding to its refined aesthetic.
Along the body of the barometer, there is a removable thermometer encased in mahogany, safeguarded by flat glass. This long mercury thermometer is mounted on an ivory base, which is engraved with dual temperature scales: Centigrade and Fahrenheit. These scales are delicately inscribed in an elegant Gothic script, further accentuating the historical and artistic value of this exceptional instrument.