Antique Barometers 

Humans have tried to predict the weather for thousands of years, inventing and creating a number of instruments to allow them to do so. The barometer is one of those weather forecasting tools and there are a wide array of antique barometers to purchase. Perfect as decoration or for practical use, an antique barometer looks nice displayed in a conservatory, kitchen or hallway. The barometer measures the atmospheric pressure; they are highly sought after antiques, as early antique barometers are very valuable.

History of the Antique Barometer

Evangelista Torricelli invented the barometer in 1643, from then on scientists later realised that by looking at barometric pressure and wind observations combined they could predict short-term weather forecasts. By the early 18th C the barometer began being used in agricultural and domestic households, mainly by the British aristocracy to determine the weather. There are two main types of barometer dependent on what mechanism is used to measure the changes in pressure, either mercurial or aneroid. The oldest type of barometer is the mercurial barometer, with the aneroid barometer invented later by Lucien Vidi in 1844.

Types of Antique Barometer

Antique Mercurial Barometer

The antique mercurial barometer measures atmospheric pressure in a glass tube, antique mercurial barometers are mainly ‘stick barometers,’ which are usually in a protective metal or wooden case with a simple measuring scale. Other designs of antique mercurial barometer see the glass tube in the shape of a ‘U’. Stick barometers casing is often made from mahogany, oak or brass. A Georgian stick barometer makes an attractive piece in a reception room.

Antique Aneroid Barometer

This type of antique barometer is a portable instrument as it does not use mercury to operate.  It is compact and is mainly rounded, usually housed in a metal case which is often brass and mounted on oak or mahogany. The most common antique aneroid barometer is the round wheel, or also known as a Banjo barometer. Antique barometers with larger dials are generally more accurate.

Antique Pocket Barometer

Alongside improving manufacturing techniques in the late 19th C, aneroid barometers saw the advent of miniature barometers-namely the pocket barometer. The pocket barometer is usually 50mm in diameter, housed in card or wood and covered in leather as well as often being lined with velvet or silk. Climbers, ballooning enthusiasts and gentlemen adventurers all favoured the use of antique pocket barometers. More advanced antique pocket barometers had a thermometer and a compass incorporated in their designs.

Admiral Fitzroy Barometer

A design from the 1850’s based upon the work by Admiral Fitzroy, a mercurial barometer with an attached storm glass, which contained chemicals that altered in appearance to indicate the weather approaching. The Admiral Fitzroy barometer is also known as a ‘storm glass barometer’ or ‘Goethe barometer’. Admiral Robert Fitzroy was captain of the HMS Beagle during Charles Darwin's famous voyage and also created what would later be known as the Met Office.

Marine and Scientific Barometers

During the 17th C these antique barometers were capable of determining the height of mountains, but manufacturing advancements and developments in technology meant that by the early 18th C to the 19th C, the barometer became more sophisticated and were able to be used by Balloonists in the upper atmosphere. Antique marine barometers were increasingly used from the early 19th C resulting in more being readily available to acquire from this period.

Antique Barometers with ornate wooden cases and brass trims are an attractive choice alongside the Gilt wood French decorative barometer, which would sit beautifully in the home. 

When purchasing an antique barometer you should consider the following elements:

• Quality of the components if you are in the market for precision 
• Notable considerations-the veneer, the line in lay, the outline stringing, the cross banding and decoration.

All of the above will contribute to the antique barometers value.