Ornate 19th Century Walnut Desktop Organizer With Enclosed Holosteric Barometer

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Very Rare Ornate 19th Century Walnut Desktop Organizer With Enclosed Holosteric Barometer

You can search high and low, and you … Read more Very Rare Ornate 19th Century Walnut Desktop Organizer With Enclosed Holosteric Barometer

You can search high and low, and you are not likely to find another one like this available. It is a very rare nineteenth century desktop organizer, which may very well have been used by a ship's navigator; because the liquid barometers previously available were not very accurate due to the motion of the ships on ocean waves. This desktop organizer is equipped with a holosteric barometer, which is a type of aneroid barometer that measures air pressure by using a sealed, flexible metal diaphragm to detect changes in atmospheric pressure, rather than relying on a column of liquid like a mercury barometer. The term "holosteric" means "without liquid," and these instruments, developed by companies like Naudet & Cie. (later PNHB) starting in 1860. They were prized for their transportability and accuracy, becoming popular for both marine and stationary use.

Although this barometer is not functioning now, it might possibly be able to be restored. There is a hinged brass bezel on the front end of the barometer, but the glass is missing. The face of the barometer has the typical barometric pressure scale and the words New York and Holosteric Barometer. The pointer that would have indicated the barometric pressure is missing.

The ornate detail of this piece makes it stand out from other vintage pieces of similar use. We have chosen not to clean it, so the new owner can determine whether it is more valuable to leave it in its present condition or to clean it to reveal more of its original detail and color. It is in remarkably good condition for its age, but it does have normal wear and tear consistent with its age and use. We have done our best to provide photos that give an accurate representation of its present form and condition while still revealing the richness of its detailing. Please use the zoom feature to examine the photos carefully. They are pert of the description. See less