A French mahogany ship’s barometer, Charlet au Havre, circa 1820

Description

The barometer has silvered and engraved scales signed Charlet Opticien au Havre and a vernier. The beautifully moulded turned mahogany case is surmounted by a brass finial and suspended in brass gimbals.

A barometer was an important instrument that helped the owner to establish his own weather forecast by checking the changes in barometric pressure. One can only imagine how precious a good barometer was for seamen depending on its reliance for their safety. Today it might be very necessary but it remains a lovely object with an interesting history.