Mahogany Stick Barometer Signed Joshua Springer

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Mahogany Stick Barometer Signed Joshua Springer

About the Item

The majority of the mercury tube is concealed in the main body of the barometer apart from the top portion which is set against the engraved and silvered scale. The left hand side of the scale gives descriptions of the weather conditions, with higher atmospheric pressure pushing the mercury up the tube thus being deemed to give fair climes. The use of the alchemist symbol for mercury is a nice detail and briefly explains the rationale. The right hand scale is engraved in inches showing the actual height of the mercury with tenths being read from the adjustable vernier or nonius as Springer would have known it. Scale and tube are protected by a hinged, glazed door which is held shut with a clasp. The pine carcase is veneered in mahogany with holly and ebony stringing on all edges. The turned cistern cover has an ebony and bone centre, which is held in place by two brass pins. Removal of the cover reveals the boxwood cistern with the brass set screw which when tightened pushes on the leather bottom pushing the mercury to the top, removing the vacuum and rendering the barometer safe for travel. Joshua Springer was one of only a few scientific instrument makers in late 18th century Bristol. Since Tudor times the important maritime City had produced a number of notable navigational instrument makers but there was a decline in influence with the death Sebastian Cabot in 1557. Joshua Springer succeeded John Wright who had been apprenticed in London to Benjamin Cole who had himself been apprenticed Thomas Wright, instrument maker to maker to The Prince of Wales, later to be George II. In 1756, John Wright was able to advertise himself as "..the only mathematical, philosophical and optical Instrument-maker in Bristol." In 1759 Springer is recorded as running Wright's shop at Hadly's Quadrant in St Stephen's Lane where he sold a variety of instruments. By 1774 he had moved to 2 Clare Street which in turn became R & C Beilby from 1808.

Dimensions:
Height: 36.23 in (92 cm)Width: 4.73 in (12 cm)Depth: 2.56 in (6.5 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Mahogany
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1800
Condition:
Barometer in full working order. Case with original surface and of good colour.
Seller Location:
Kent, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU97521050324