Barometers

I bought this in england several years ago with the intention of restoring it to its original glory. If you have read just about any history of barometers and weather forecasting, you will probably have come across this type of instrument. It was revolutionary in its day and is truly a classic design. I won’t bother retelling the story of admiral fitzroy and the design for the coastal or fisheries barometers for public use, as there are plenty of accounts out there by philip collins, edwin banfield and others.

All of the woodwork for this barometer is present. It is oak, free of rot or woodworm, and in good condition for its age (150 yrs old) all of the wood parts are stamped with a symbol containing the letters i, l, and o and what appears to be a small weather vane.

The number 9 is also stamped beside each of these marks. The adjusting plate mechanism which pushes against the leather diaphragm at the bottom of the cistern is present and working. The vernier , rack and mechanism to adjust the pointer beside the scale are present and functional. The glass cover for the scales is present, as are the brass plates at the top and bottom of the scales, and a ceramic nameplate marked “admiral fitzroy’s storm barometer” (see photos).

There may have been some repair done in the past. (see photo) this will need some attention. The major missing items are the side plates which carry the scales to read the height of the mercury column. These would originally have been either ceramic, or porcelain coated steel.

This is not for beginners. I do not know the maker of this instrument.

The most famous maker of these was negretti and zambra, but without the side plates which is where the maker’s name would appear, more research is needed.