Anthony Woodburn

A fine George III bow fronted stick barometer by one of the most eminent instrument makers of the eighteenth century. Ramsden was born in 1731 and worked at The Golden Spectacles, Haymarket from 1768 to 1771, then moving to 199 Piccadilly from 1772 until his death in 1800. This particular barometer is a very fine example of his work and would date from c1790. The stem is veneered with well figured mahogany with ebony edging and ebonised cistern cover. The cushion top retains the original ebonised urn finial (most have been lost). 

The silvered register plates are delicately engraved and include the maker’s signature. The ivory key controls the Vernier scale on the register plates which enables accurate reading of barometric pressure and also gives an indication of whether the pressure has risen or fallen since the previous day. 

The barometer has a particularly neat appearance, accentuated by the fact that it lies flat against the wall. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY: 

English Barometers 1680 – 1860, Nicolas Goodison. Page 222.