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September, 2017 The Antique Shoppe Page 17
COTTAGE BAROMETERS FANNING SPRINGS

Everybody dreams about living in a cottage, out in
the country - a stream babbling through the property, “explore the difference”
sheep grazing, a million dollars in the bank - but back Point of View
in the 1890's, cottage life was not so idyllic.
Many people were farmers, and even those who
were not, usually had a garden where they raised Antiques
chickens and grew their own vegetables. Knowing
what the weather was going to do in the next few 17452 US Hwy 19 N
days was often critical to surviving, and possession
of a barometer would have been the best answer. Fanning Springs www.PointofViewGifts.com
Remember, there were no radios (or televisions.... (352) 463-0718 10-5 Monday-Saturday
or computers!) back then, and most traditional Now Open Sunday 11-4
barometers were far too expensive for most people.
Fortunately, over in England, a new simpler "weather collectibles, wood carvings, jewelry, gifts and more
prognosticator" was being developed; the Storm –DEALER SPACE AVAILABLE–
Glass, or weather glass, known as early as the mid 26
1700's according to Admiral Fitzroy.
Antique barometers come in many designs, including
mercury stick and wheel barometers; aneroid capsule
barometers and barographs; 8" tall water barometers Havana
with a spout; and Cottage Barometers, which have The Planters Exchange
a thermometer on the right, and a sealed glass tube www.havanaflevents.com “Not Just an Antique Mall”
containing a chemical solution that crystallises if rain is
forecast. Antiques, Collectibles,
These last ones, American in design and construction, Glass, Home Accents,
were made in the late 1880's through 1920, many by Chas. Toys, Dolls, Pottery
See Chart E. Large of Brooklyn N.Y., although there are several other
1 or details names associated with their manufacture, (see chart) and In a Designated National Landmark
f
some with no apparent name at all. The ones illustrated 204 2nd Street NW
are all examples of the earliest form; later the top and bottom wood mouldings were enlarged, Havana, FL
painted, and had advertising slogans printed on them.
Later still, the designs of the wood and painted metal plate were changed entirely, and some (850) 539-6343
were even made out of printed tin, with no wood at all. Throughout all these changes, the (850) 539-1295 fax
thermometer remained on the left and the storm glass on the right. Wed-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-5:30, Sun 12-5
The construction is fairly simple, comprising a pine backboard 8 5/8" x 2 5/8", with top and planterex@mediacombb.net
bottom moulded stained wood pieces 3" x 1" x 7/8", which hold the painted tin face in place, Wayne Gregory, Owner
and which hold a vertical 1/8" iron bar projecting 1/2" out from the tin face on each side.
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