Admiral Fitzroy's Royal Polytechnic Barometer. "Joseph Davis & Co." This example is presented in a carved oak case of superb color. 222009

This late Victorian "Royal Polytechnic" Admiral Fitzroy barometer was manufactured by Joseph Davis & Company of Kennington Park, London. This firm is listed as the 'Sole manufacturers of Polytechnic barometers.' The Davis & Company was located at this address from 1871 through 1893.

This case is constructed in oak and has been finished to a high sheen. The woodwork is embellished in several locations with decorative carvings. The round head features a subtle peak at the top. A brass bezel protects the silvered affect printed dial display. The bezel is fitted with glass and measures approximately 9.5 inches in diameter. The dial information includes two individual scales that have their own verniers. The verniers or brass hands are manually adjusted by turning the bone knobs below the dial. The hands are used to mark the location of the mercury in the large bore glass tube. This tube is centered in the case and is secured with fancy brass fittings. One hand for Yesterday's reading and the second one is for Today's. Both scales are well marked and include copies of Admiral Fitzroy's charts. A shield-shaped display is located on the lower left side of the dial. Here the Joseph Davis & Co. information is provided. Below the circular-shaped display is a large rectangular-shaped box. This is recessed and behind the protective glass is Admiral Fitzroy's Special Remarks on two panels. Below these are two silvered scaled thermometers. The first is in Centigrade, and the other is in Fahrenheit.

This instrument is now in working order. The case measures approximately 41 inches in length, 12.5 inches wide, and 2 inches deep. Joseph Davis & Co made it circa 1885.

Inventory number 222009.

Admiral Fitzroy (1805-1865) was an English officer in the Royal Navy. As commander of HMS Beagle, he participated in the Darwin Expedition from 1834-1836. In addition to his naval career, Fitzroy did pioneer work in the field of meteorology.