Spectacular 19th century Dutch
inlaid walnut contra-barometer, so named for one of its two
mercury systems which uses a U-shaped tube with mercury and
colored oil, essentially an expanded scale for easier reading
of small movements. Contra-barometers, also known as bak-barometers (literally,
barometer in a box, for the rectangular glass-fronted case),
are found throughout the Low Countries from about 1740 onwards.
Weather
indications on the polished pewter plates are Orcaan (hurricane), Hevige
Storm (severe storm), Storm, Veel Reg. of Wind (region
of much rain and wind), Regen of Wind (rain or wind), Veranderlyk (changeable,
or variable), Goed Weer (good weather), Mooy Weer (beautiful
weather), Bestendig (settled), and Heel Schoon (perfect
weather). The main weather scale, read off the top of the
red oil in the far right tube of the instrument, has its
major markings in English inches, from 28 to 31, each inch
with 12 divisions. 
This scale has a central point, marked “0” (zero)
at just above 29.5 English inches, a designation of mean
barometric pressure at sea level in the Netherlands. The
scale traverses 36 divisions in total and is known in the
Netherlands as the “36 Scale.” The central barometer
tube has Rhineland (French) inches on the right side and
English inches on the left.
The spirit
thermometer notes record high and low temperatures in
Amsterdam at 1740, 1802 and 1823, and also has indications
for Extra Koud up through Bloed Warm. Fifty-six
degrees on the Reaumur scale is indicated as the optimum
temperature for an orangerie.
The maker is J Stoppani & Zoon (Son), Amsterdam. Various spellings
of the last name are found on barometers in both England
and the Netherlands, as is common with the Italian immigrant
instrument makers who moved into northern Europe in the late
18th century. This is possibly John Stoppani (Stopanni, Stopani)
who was also known to have been working in Aberdeen from
1824-1860.
The barometer has restorations to the case (top finial, one
bottom finial, various veneer and inlay repairs) and a recently
polished finish. The case is complete and in sound and attractive
condition.
Circa 1825-1840
51” High, 11” wide (cornice)
$4,350.00
No. 1664
