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After many years of dealing in antiques Kym and Alan Walker formed their present partnership in 1985, where their knowledge of barometers and their expertise in restoration has enabled them to become one of the country's leading specialists. The items offered for sale are a select and small example of Georgian and Victorian barometers which can be supplied. Rare and unusual items are often purchased by commission for clients. All barometers that are sold have full and extensive guarantees and all are expertly restored to full working order.

The latest economic recession has brought no lull in the demand for antique mercury barometers particularly the better ones. The examples shown are all called stick barometers. Here is a quick resume of how and why the stick barometer works...

The stick barometer's register plate has a scale from 27 - 31, this is graduated in inches - (and can be verified by placing a ruler next to the scale) - it is measuring the length of the column of mercury which changes with the atmospheric pressure. High pressure which is usually associated with fine and calm weather will support a longer column of mercury (over 30 inches - 762 mm), than a low pressure (around 29 inches - 737 mm or less), typified by unsettled weather conditions.

There are two main types of mercury tube used in stick barometers. One is a glass tube which has a sealed boxwood reservoir with a leather pouch to the base of the boxwood. All changes in air pressure move the column of mercury by effecting changes via the leather pouch.

The second type of glass tube curls around at the base into a wider glass reservoir. The glass reservoir has an air hole in the top through which it allows air pressure changes to affect the mercury column.

Click here on for a few good examples.

For more information, email: WalkerAndWalker@btinternet.com or telephone +44 (0)1488 658693