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.
We strive to describe each item as accurately as possible, and photographs form an essential part of the item description. Please review them carefully prior to purchase. Please note that no mercury or liquids will be included in the item as it is prohibited for transport. Leans Gallery does not guarantee the working of Clocks, Music Boxes and Barometers. Any qualified local horologist can refill or service the instrument with ease.
International buyers: Please be aware that some countries may charge a small percentage for customs duties, import taxes, or local fees. You are responsible for any fees applied by your country. All items are carefully packed to ensure safe delivery within the UK and internationally.
Return Policy: No returns unless the item is not as described. Should a return be necessary, all return shipping costs will be the responsibility of the buyer, unless the item is proven to have been misrepresented. If you believe an item has been significantly misrepresented, please get in touch with us so that we can promptly review the matter together. If a return is approved, the buyer will be responsible for return shipping costs unless it is established that the item was inaccurately described.
