An early 19th century mahogany Marine Barometer of exceptional quality and originality. The elegant carved fluted and turned case has an inset engraved bone register plate reading from 27 to 31 inches which shows the usual states of the weather from stormy to very dry and has the signature of the maker or original owner set at the bottom on the left. The daily reading of barometric pressure in inches is taken by setting the top of the vernier pointer against the top of the column of mercury which rises or falls.

The elegant turned and fluted mahogany trunk has a parcel gilt opening door at the top in the form of a sliding shutter. It is surmounted by an original turned and carved wood finial. The cylindrical cistern at the base of the stem is of beautifully patinated and faded mahogany below a carved parcel gilt roundel. The instrument hangs on a good brass gimbal.

Height: 39 in (99 cm)

*The name Nixon is not recorded as a maker of barometers so it is possible he was the client or ship’s captain who commissioned it. The quality and condition of the carved and fluted parcel gilt case make this the finest such marine barometer that we have owned. For a detailed history of the origin and development of the marine barometer, see chapter 8 of Banfield in which numerous examples of these fascinating instruments are illustrated.

Bibliography:

Barometer Makers and Retailers 1660 – 1900 by Edwin Banfield, Baros Books.
English Barometers 1680 - 1860 by Nicholas Goodison, Antique Collectors’ Club.

Signed / Inscribed
NIXON LONDON