Beschreibung:

Y A FINE VICTORIAN OXIDISED BRASS FORTIN-TYPE MERCURY FORECASTING BAROMETER GEORGE S. WOOD LIVERPOOL, CIRCA 1880 Constructed with central large-bore tube flanked by silvered scales applied to separate ebonised moulded panels calibrated in barometric inches 0-32 and with rack and pinion adjusted Vernier slide to right hand side, opposing an arrangement of three plates engraved with detailed forecasting predictions within fine scroll engraved margins and incorporating recording slide labelled SET AT, 9 A.M. YESTERDAY to top, the apex with further applied bridging plate signed G.S. Wood LATE ABRAHAM & Co., OPTICIAN, LIVERPOOL, the base with substantial cylindrical cistern incorporating glazed collar enclosing ivory level pointer between screw-clamped collars over fine level adjustment screw to underside, the instrument mounted onto the backboard of a full-height half-round glazed case opening at the front, with domed cupola surmounted with a reeded gilt brass ball finial and conforming inverted dome to base, (mercury removed). 130cm (51ins) approx. high, 20.5cm (8ins) wide, 15cm (8ins) deep. George S. Wood is recorded in Banfield, Edwin BAROMETER MAKERS AND RETAILERS 1660-1900 as taking over the business of Abraham Abraham and Company located at 20 Lord Street, Liverpool in 1875 and working until 1894. The current lot is made to the principles laid down by Nicholas Fortin (1750-1831) and incorporates a glazed cistern so that the level can be calibrated via the adjustment screw to the base against an inverted conical ivory cone in the cistern in order to obtain consistency in the readings. This particular type of barometer provides an accurate reading hence was generally adopted for laboratory use throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. The combination of comprehensive scales complete with detailed observations to assist in forecasting (based on those laid-out by Admiral Fitzroy in the 1850's) and fine bow-fronted case suggests that the current lot was either made to be exhibited by the maker (possibly in his own showroom) or for a wealthy client or institution. Condition Report: Instrument appears complete with the exception of mercury and two (of the three) brass cistern securing rods and screws (for holding the base of the cistern tight against the cylindrical glass sleeve) which are now unfortunately missing. The silvering to the register plates has some patchy discolouration but engraving is fine and crisp. The case is in good original condition with noticeable faults apparently only limited to the finial being a little bent. Condition Report Disclaimer