Y A VICTORIAN CARVED ROSEWOOD MERCURY STICK BAROMETER WITH VISIBLE CISTERN J. Franks, Manchester, third quarter of the 19th century With a scallop and leaf scroll carved upstand and two-tier cavetto moulded cornice over conforming surround for the rectangular bevel-glazed double ivory Vernier scales flanking the large bore mercury tube, 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 with signature J. FRANKS, 44 MARKET STREET, MANCHESTER to upper margin, the trunk with Vernier setting squares flanked by scroll-carved corbels to throat above applied glazed mercury tube FAHRENHEIT and CENTIGRADE scale thermometer decorated with stylised leaf carved ogee mouldings to both the upper and lower rails, the rectangular base with inverted corbels to upper corners over bevel-glazed panel bordered by carved lappet leaf surround enclosing visible bulb cistern, Bunten air trap and restriction damper within an ivory lined recess, the underside with inverted swan neck-shaped pendant crest. 105.5cm (41.5ins) high. Provenance: The Selwyn Demmy Collection. A J. Franks is not recorded as working in Manchester during the latter half of the 19th century in the usual sources however a Ben Franks is recorded in Banfield, Edwin BAROMETER MAKERS AND RETAILERS 1660-1900 as working from Market Street, Manchester circa 1880-1900 as well as at Hull and 39 Piccadilly, Hanley. 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. The feature of visible cistern of the current lot is unusual as is the use of a bulb cistern (rather than a sealed diaphragm arrangement). Condition Report: The tube is in good condition and filled with no air traps and only slight 'greying; to the tube at the damper restriction and air trap. The Vernier scales are undamaged but have overall greyish staining/discolouration to both panels; the Vernier sliders are both operational. The thermometer scale has some slight scratching around a securing screw to the left hand corner of the ivory scale otherwise is in fine original condition. The ivory lining to the glazed cistern recess has noticeable staining to the base panel and mush lesser discolouration to the other panels. The case is in sound original condition with relatively light bumps, scuffs, shrinkage and age related wear; the carved shell crest is probably a later addition. Condition Report Disclaimer