A VICTORIAN LACQUERED BRASS FORTIN-TYPE LABORATORY MERCURY STICK BAROMETER M. Pillischer, London, circa 1870 The instrument with slender cylindrical case pierced with a vertical slot to reveal the tube incorporating sliding Vernier collar reading against a scale calibrated in barometric inches bordering the left hand side opposing signature M. Pillischer, 88 New Bond St. London to the right, the shaft with Vernier adjustment disc to right over applied mercury tube FAHR'T and CENT'E thermometer to front, the base with part-glazed cylindrical cistern and adjustment screw to base, mounted via a brass top and base collar-brackets onto a rectangular ogee moulded mahogany panel with curved top and base. The instrument 103cm (40.5ins) high; the wall panel 112cm (44ins) high, 15cm (6ins) wide. Provenance: The Selwyn Demmy Collection. Moritz Pillischer is recorded in Clifton, Gloria Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851 as working from 398 Oxford Street 1851-53 then 88 New Bond Street, London 1854-87. He was succeeded by his Nephew, Jacob. The current lot is made to the principles laid down by Nicholas Fortin (1750-1831) and incorporates a glazed cistern so that the level can be calibrated via the adjustment screw to the base against an inverted conical ivory cone in the cistern in order to obtain consistency in the readings. This particular type of barometer provides an accurate reading hence was generally adopted for laboratory use throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Condition Report: The tube is filled with mercury however the level is reading low (approx. 3ins) and when tipped the column stops short by around this amount indication that there is air in the tube above the mercury column. The Vernier slide is fully operational and the thermometer is in original working condition although the silvered scale is dirty/discoloured. The case retains old (probably original) lacquer finish with light to moderate patchy wear and discolouration. The wooded backboard is in good original condition albeit with a few bumps, scuffs and other very minor blemishes commensurate with age and use. Condition Report Disclaimer