An inlaid Satinwood Wheel barometer signed "P. Introfsi / Chatham," UK. 226082.

This wheel, or banjo, barometer is 44 inches long, which is a bit larger than most examples. Its satinwood-veneered case is framed with a triple line inlay.

This decorative wheel, or banjo, barometer is signed "P.Introfsi / Chatham," UK. Chatham is a historic port town on the River Medway in eastern Kent, about 30 miles southeast of London. The instrument was made around 1850.

This attractive wheel barometer is slightly larger than most, measuring 44 inches instead of the usual 40. The case is outlined with a triple inlay of mahogany, holly, and ebonized holly, and finished in satinwood. The unique grain of the wood adds depth, and the current finish brings out this feature.

At the top of the case is a well-shaped swan's neck pediment. The swan's necks have an ebonized finish and frame a single brass urn-shaped finial. Below the pediment is the main body of the case. The upper instrument is a hygrometer, which measures humidity. It is self-contained, portable, and held in place by a brass clip. Below that is an alcohol-based thermometer, also designed to be portable. The brass knob at the bottom releases it. The thermometer sits in a wooden case with a glass front framed by beaded molding. The backplate is brass, engraved, and finished with a silver wash. The scale is in Fahrenheit, with markers labeled "Blood / Heat, Sumr / Heat, Tempe / rate, and Freez / ing," along with their numerical values. Below is a convex circular mirror, 3.5 inches across, framed with concentric ring molding and finished in ebonized wood. The main dial is 9.5 inches wide and made from a brass sheet decorated with engravings and finished with a silver wash. The scale and decorations are engraved on the front, which is typical for this type of instrument. The dial has two hands. The larger hand connects to a brass pulley behind the dial. A silk cord attaches to a float and a counterbalance inside the case, wrapping around a pulley attached to the hand. As the mercury level in the tube changes, the float moves, and the cord moves the hand to show the change. The smaller brass hand is used to mark the position of the larger hand each time the instrument is checked. This hand is controlled by the brass knob below the center dial. The dial is viewed through a convex glass set in a large brass bezel. At the bottom of the case is a level indicator engraved with the Maker's name: "P. Intofsi/ Chatham." Turning the case around reveals a long hinged door that gives access to the J-tube.

This Introfsi working instrument was made circa 1850. 

Barometers were important because they allowed people to measure atmospheric pressure, which is essential for predicting weather changes. By observing rising or falling pressure, early scientists and meteorologists could anticipate storms, fair weather, or other atmospheric conditions. This made barometers valuable tools for sailors, farmers, and anyone whose work depended on understanding and preparing for changing weather. Additionally, the invention and use of barometers contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge about the atmosphere and laid the groundwork for modern meteorology.

Inventory number 226082.