A rare, figured mahogany bow front stick barometer of elegant proportions with a most unusual accurate Register Plate for showing the States of the Weather.

The case, with cushion moulded pediment and very crisp mouldings throughout, is veneered with superbly figured flame mahogany. The ebonised urn shaped cistern cover at the base is flanked by triple lines of inlaid ebony and has an ivory float for zeroing the cistern level.

The engraved and silvered Register Plate reads from 28 to 31 inches by means of a Vernier on the right hand side and shows the traditional States of the Weather on the left. The maker’s signature is discreetly engraved within the unusual subsidiary dial at the top to give an extra accurate reading up to 1/100^th of an inch.

Date: circa 1820

Height: 39 in (99 cm)

*West, the name of the maker on this barometer probably refers to Charles West who was working at various addresses in London between 1814 and 1825. This barometer with its unusual subsidiary dial at the top is almost identical to the barometer by Thomas Jones of 123 Charing Cross, London, illustrated and described on pages 166 and 167 of Nicholas Goodison’s English Barometers: 1680 – 1860.

Bibliography:

Edwin Banfield, Barometers and Retailers, p.231

Nicholas Goodison, English Barometers 1680-1860, pp. 166 – 167

HW5994