M C Taylor Clocks

Description

A rare and beautiful mid 19th century travelling barometer in a rosewood case.

The case consists of a hollow square-section Rosewood trunk with a wider top box. The top box is hung from a swivelling brass ring that is anchored to a brass top plate. The front has a plain, opening protective hinged door that when opened, reveals the barometer tube, bone scales and vernier setting slide. Also, fixed to the inside of the cover is a bone scale with a glass thermometer tube having a reservoir bulb that is protected under a brass cage. There is a further bone plate above the door that bears the retailers name of "STEBBING, SOUTHAMPTON". Just below the door is the removeable ivory setting knob. The boxwood mercury cistern is encased in a circular brass housing which is screwed onto a thinner brass tube.

The vernier scale is operated by an internal rack and pinion and the barometer tube is carefully constricted at the top and bottom so that a rush of mercury is impossible. The whole barometer is beautifully finished to all 4 sides.

Sometimes and incorrectly referred to as 'Ships barometers', these are very, very rare pieces. They were intended to be taken on journeys - quite often by officers to various campaigns. They would also accompany explorers or scientists on their travels and their method of construction gave them great protection against damage and mercury rush. Once hung, they could take several minutes to settle down and read correctly because of the constrictions to the tube. J.R. Stebbing was an optician trading from 47 High Street, Southampton from 1845 until 1857 when he then moved to Dock Chambers.