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John Bennett Georgian Barometer
John Bennett Georgian Barometer

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John Bennett Georgian Barometer

  • This rare Georgian barometer reflects the prevailing style of its age
  • Crafted with a sycamore veneer, its classical simplicity is enhanced by architectural elements
  • Used to measure atmospheric pressure, barometers were highly prized in Georgian households
  • Very few barometers from before the 1770s remain, making this example truly exceptional
  • Get complete item description here
$18,850
Item No. 29-1567

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Description
This exceptional Georgian barometer by the leading London instrument-maker John Bennett strongly reflects the prevalent furniture style and architectural elements of the time in its classical simplicity. Not many barometers from before the 1770s remain, making this example exceptional, especially since it is still in excellent condition. It features an open cistern with silvered brass register plates with engraved weather indications at the apex. The sycamore veneer, an extremely hard to find wood on barometers,. . .
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This exceptional Georgian barometer by the leading London instrument-maker John Bennett strongly reflects the prevalent furniture style and architectural elements of the time in its classical simplicity. Not many barometers from before the 1770s remain, making this example exceptional, especially since it is still in excellent condition. It features an open cistern with silvered brass register plates with engraved weather indications at the apex. The sycamore veneer, an extremely hard to find wood on barometers, is fiddle back (so named because it is commonly found on violin backs), so it has a fine, even ripple along its surface. 

Circa 1750

37 1/2" high x 4 3/8" wide x 3 1/4" deep

In the latter half of the 18th century, Bennett was a popular optical, mathematical, and physical instrument-maker. He held appointments to members of the Royal Family, including the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Cumberland. Economic expansion took place in 18th-century England, and with a greater level of prosperity came a considerable increase in the number of barometers manufactured for domestic use among the wealthiest citizens. The straight cistern-tube, or stick, barometer remained the most common form throughout Bennett's lifetime, for they were thought of as the most lasting and dependable.

References: 
English Barometers: 1680-1860, 1977, Nicholas Goodison
Barometers: Stick or Cistern Tube,1985, Edwin Banfield
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John Bennett Georgian Barometer
Period: 18th Century
Origin: England
Type: Meteorological Instruments
Style: Georgian
Depth: 3.25 in. (8.26 cm)
Width: 4.38 in. (11.11 cm)
Height: 37.5 in. (95.25 cm)

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

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