Description
Antique Georgian mahogany stick barometer in the style of J. Whisker of York. c.1815.
The edge moulded case is herringbone veneered in mahogany with boxwood line inlays. The broken pediment sits above the silvered registered plate which is fitted with a manually operated vernier, all protected behind a glazed door. The exposed tube terminates with a mahogany cistern concealed behind a turned hemispherical mahogany cistern cover.
(John Wisker is listed as working from Spurriergate, York. He worked under his father Matthew, taking over the business in 1804 until his death in 1824, his wife Elizabeth continued the business until her son Matthias could take control in 1827, and the business continued in Spurriergate for two more generations until 1880.). A paper cutting of a similar item sold a few years back is attached.
Size 98 x 13 x 8 cm (38.5 x 5.2 x 3.3 inches)
Barometers are used to measure atmospheric pressure changes as an indicator of changes in the weather. Today, weather stations around the world use stick barometers for accurate forecasting, and for those of us who love nostalgia, an antique barometer provides the same information in a masterfully crafted case.
Evangelista Torricelli is credited with inventing the first barometer in 1643.
A physician and mathematician, Torricelli had moved to Florence to assist Galileo. While performing various experiments concerning the nature of air and vacuums, he uncovered the basic principle of the barometer design. Furthermore, he used mercury in his vacuum experiments and discovered that the height of the mercury, which changed from day to day, was related to changes in atmospheric pressure. Soon, his principles were accepted by scientists throughout the continent.
Overseas buyers, please contact us for posting rates. Please get in touch with us via eBay or the website of leansgallery for a viewing.
Most objects sold in our gallery are antiques, vintage or used, therefore they will show signs of being antique, vintage or used. There may be signs of scratches, discolouration, chips, cracks wear and tear unknown manufacturers and/or patterns. Please see the photographs as they form part of the description.
Overseas buyers are responsible for all import duties and taxes.
