A VICTORIAN CARVED OAK MERCURY STICK BAROMETER

A VICTORIAN CARVED OAK MERCURY STICK BAROMETERW. Aronsberg and Company, Manchester, third quarter of the 19th centuryWith foliate scroll carved concave-hipped break-arch upstand and moulded cornice over leaf-carved surround for the rectangular bevel-glazed double ceramic Vernier scales, each calibrated in barometric inches and with the usual observations, the lower margins annotated 10 A.M YESTERDAY and 10 A.M TO DAY, and signed W. Aronsberg & Co., Manchester across the upper margin, the trunk with applied floral motif and Vernier setting squares flanked by scroll-carved corbels to throat above applied glazed mercury tube FAHRENHEIT and CENTIGRADE scale thermometer decorated with further leafy crests to both the upper and lower rails, the base of shaped cartouche outline applied with generous leafy scroll carved domed cistern cover with level adjustment square to underside.108cm (42.5ins) high. Provenance: The Selwyn Demmy Collection. William Aronsberg (and Company) is recorded in Banfield, Edwin BAROMETER MAKERS & RETAILERS 1660-1900 as working first from 3 Lever Street, Manchester 1864-68 then 12 Victoria Street 1868-96.The current lot is provided with two scales to allow change in barometric pressure to be recorded as designed by Admiral Fitzroy for his 'storm barometers' which he devised in around 1857. Condition Report: Instrument is filled with no apparent bubbles or airlocks to the mercury column. The register plates are in fine original condition as is the thermometer; both Vernier slides are operational. The case is in fine original condition with only very minor bumps, scuffs and age related wear. The level adjustment screw to the underside is a little bent. Condition Report Disclaimer