How do I read a stick barometer?

Read the height of the mercury column against the scale marked in inches or millimetres. Tap the instrument gently before reading to ensure the mercury moves freely. Rising columns generally indicate improving weather, while falling levels suggest approaching storms or rain.

Where should I hang a wall barometer?

Hang the instrument on an interior wall away from direct sunlight, radiators, and draughts. Rapid temperature fluctuations can affect the mechanism. Ensure the wall fixing supports the weight securely, particularly with heavier hardwood and brass models.

How do I tell a stick barometer from a banjo barometer?

A stick barometer is narrow and vertical, housing a straight glass tube within a simple timber trunk. It focuses purely on the mercury column. A banjo barometer widens at the base and often includes multiple dials, thermometers, or hygrometers arranged on a shaped board.

Can antique barometers still predict the weather?

Many surviving barometers remain functional if the internal glass tubes and mercury columns are intact and sealed. Aneroid movements may require professional calibration against known pressure standards. Even when uncalibrated, they serve as decorative scientific instruments reflecting historical craftsmanship.