A VICTORIAN OAK CASED MERCURY MINER'S STICK BAROMETERUNSIGNED, LATE 19th CENTURYWith canted glazed ceramic Vernier scale calibrated in barometric inches to the right opposing mercury Fahrenheit scale to the left over inscribed serial number No 5991 to lower margin, set behind rectangular glass secured via brass plate bezel, the substantial rectangular section case with shallow-arch top over Vernier adjtment square to throat, chamfered angles to trunk and squared-off base.94cm (37ins) high, 9cm (3.5ins) wide.Provenance: The exhibition collection of Barometer World Meum, Merton, Devon.Miner's pit barometers were adopted during 1860's to assist with the possible prediction of an explosion in coal mine due to anecdotal evidence indicating a pressure drop prior to such events. The Mines Regulations Act of 1872 sought to formalise their e stating 'After dangero gas has been found in a mine, a barometer and thermometer shall be placed above ground in a conspicuo position near the entrance to the mine'.