Barometer Value & Price Guide

Antique and vintage barometers are fascinating scientific instruments that blend meteorological precision with exquisite craftsmanship. Collectors value these pieces for their ability to track atmospheric pressure while serving as elegant decorative accents for the home or office.

Price Range: $75 - $88 based on recent sales

History of Barometer

The barometer was invented by Evangelista Torricelli in 1643, originally utilizing a vacuum and a column of mercury to measure air pressure. Over the centuries, these instruments evolved from long, vertical cistern barometers into the more portable 'wheel' or 'banjo' styles popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. By the mid-20th century, brands like Airguide and Taylor popularized the aneroid barometer, which used a small flexible metal box instead of liquid. These mid-century models often integrated thermometers and hygrometers, becoming essential household weather stations that reflected the era's fascination with scientific progress and nautical aesthetics.

Value Factors for Barometer

The typical price range for Barometer is $75 - $88 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Mechanism type, with early 19th-century mercury stick barometers generally commanding higher prices than mid-century aneroid models.
• The quality of the housing material, such as carved mahogany, oak, or ornate brass ship's wheel designs.
• Functional condition and accuracy, as collectors prefer instruments that still provide reliable weather readings.
• Rarity of the manufacturer and the presence of additional features like integrated clocks or hygrometers.

Tips for Buying Barometer

• Check the glass tube or aneroid capsule for cracks, as mercury leaks or loss of vacuum can make restoration difficult and costly.
• Verify if the instrument is still responsive by gently tapping the glass or performing a 'bag test' to see if the needle moves with pressure changes.
• Look for reputable makers like Taylor, Airguide, or Atco, and prioritize pieces with original wood finishes and intact brass hardware.

Items in This Collection

• Barometer Ship's Wheel
• Vintage Taylor Barometer
• Barometer Wall Clock
• Ship's Wheel Barometer
• Water Barometer
• Wall Barometer
• Barometer Weather Station
• Airguide Weather Station
• Airguide Barometer Thermometer Hygrometer
• Airguide Barometer Value & Price Guide
• Atco Barometer Value & Price Guide
• Taylor Barometer Value & Price Guide