How do I read the two needles?

The main black needle connects to the internal mechanism. It moves automatically as the atmospheric pressure rises or falls. You move the brass setting hand yourself using the knob on the glass front. Align it directly over the black needle today, and tomorrow you'll see exactly which direction the pressure shifted.

We found my grandfather's old aneroid barometer in the attic but the needle hasn't moved at all this week despite the rain, so is there a way to reset it?

There is usually a small adjustment screw on the metal backplate. Turning this gently recalibrates the internal spring tension to match your local pressure. You need to know your current local barometric pressure first. Check a local weather station report online, then tap the glass lightly before turning the screw to dial in the correct reading.

Can I transport a mercury barometer?

Transporting mercury requires great care. Keep the case at a forty-five degree angle during transit. Don't lay it flat. The heavy liquid will rush to the top of the tube and shatter the glass.

There is a small glass tube on the front of my wooden case filled with red liquid, what is this actually supposed to measure?

That is a standard alcohol thermometer. Makers frequently built these into the neck of banjo-shaped cases to provide an integrated domestic weather station. The red dye makes the clear spirit visible against the printed background scale. It tells you the ambient temperature in your hallway rather than having any direct mechanical link to the main Victorian barometer dial below it. Read it separately from the pressure dial.

Home > Barometers > Victorian Barometers > Page 7

Victorian Barometers

← Page 7 of 9 →

Victorian barometers are practical scientific instruments housed in carved wooden cases or polished brass cylinders. They were designed to measure changes in atmospheric pressure, helping households forecast incoming weather systems before leaving the house.