Antique Collector - Antique Barometers |
Antique Barometers
For two centuries, before the days of 24 hour news and weather, the barometer had been an indispensable part of travel and sail, and an integral part of British domestic family life, on the farm as well as in the city. As an essential tool in agriculture, the barometer meant the farmer had good warning of high temperatures and heavy downpours, high winds and drought. This enabled him to plant crops, gather harvest, make hay or make decisions about any other part of rural life.
There are several types; Mercury wheel barometers, banjo aneroid barometers, stick/fortin barometers, round aneroid barometers, barographs, pocket aneroids and desk barometers. Throughout the 19th Century increasing demand generated a growing need for mass-production. Mahogany was used until around 1860 when rosewood and walnut became fashionable in many Victorian households. From the 1880s oak cases became very popular in the spacious hallways of the growing middle classes.
