Antique & Scientific Instruments U.K.

BAROMETERS by J.B.Dancer

Coming from a line of barometer makes, it would seem inevitable that Dancer made all kinds of barometers. Many mercury tube based barometers are known and he even made the thermometers for Joules’ heat experiments. So far, I only have vacuum capsule barometers by Dancer –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This English pocket barometer/ altimeter is the type used by Victorian walkers to help find their way when walking in the mountains. It comes in a dark leather covered, carrying case and has a suspension ring from which it would hang in front of it's owner's waistcoat. The silvered scale is marked from 21 to 31 inches of mercury for barometric pressure (compensated for temperature) and the outer rotating bezel is calibrated form 0 to 10,000 feet in height (suitable for climbing in the Swiss Alps). The face is also signed J.B.Dancer, MANCHESTER, and the barometer has a fine small compass on the rear. The instrument has a gilt brass case with access for setting the scale, in the rear and is in excellent condition.

 

An antique holosteric barometer, on a carved oak table stand, the card face printed with the makers name J.B.DANCER, Optician, MANCHESTER. This 4.5 inch diameter dial barometer has a scale 25 to 31 inches and the usual weather predictions. The spun brass case has a suspension ring on top and set screw in the back. It has a plain glass front with a set hand. The single vacuum capsule mechanism has a fusee chain driven pointer mounted on a sprung iron frame. The barometer is in good working order, the glass is not chipped nor cracked, the set hand moves smoothly and the scales are fine and clear. The elaborately carved oak stand has no identifying marks but is in the Oriental style so popular in the High Victorian times.

 

 

 

This English pocket barometer/ altimeter is also a thermometer and compass compendium. It comes on a bedside archway gilt brass pocket watch/cufflink stand and has a suspension ring from which it would hang in front of it's owner's waistcoat (or the bedside stand at night). The single vacuum capsule mechanism has a fusee chain driven pointer, temperature compensated arm and a sprung lever. The silvered scale is marked from 25 to 31 inches of mercury for barometric pressure (compensated for temperature) and the outer rotating bezel is calibrated form 0 to 8,000 feet in height. The face is also signed J.B.DANCER, Optician, MANCHESTER. The barometer has a mother of pearl compass and mercury thermometer on the rear. The compass is marked “Sinders patent 10841” and has “E S W” & a star for North and a tiny lever to clamp the compass when in transit. A 10 to 130 thermometer scale (degrees Fahrenheit) is engraved in the case. The instrument has a gilt brass case with access for setting the scale, in the rear and is in good working order.

 

 

 

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