Antique Barometers

Below are some fine examples of mercurial stick barometers and finely cased mercurial wheel barometers.

Antique barometers are highly accurate scientific instruments, forecasting changing weather patterns, in addition to being highly decorative and elegant pieces of furniture.

The mercury type barometer manufacturers reached their peak from about 1830 to 1890. Britain, due to it's robust economy and lust for science, was the home to most of these makers, though many were also found in France, Germany, Holland and America. The earliest barometers are known as "stick" barometers, and today are the most sought after due to their rarity and beauty.

By the mid 1800's, most barometer makers were only producing the "wheel or banjo type" barometer due to their popularity. Many Italian craftsman, trained as barometer makers, needed to leave Italy due to a continued severe economic recession, and migrated to England, France, Holland, and other locations in Europe so they could continue their work. Today, many of these antique barometers proudly display the Italian maker's name on the dial or register.