barometer case with inner wooden support
Date: circa 1860
Inventory Number: 1998-1-0445
Classification: Barometer
Subject:
Maker: American ?
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
5.8 x 102 x 5.8 cm (2 5/16 x 40 3/16 x 2 5/16 in.)
Description:
Stitched leather carrying case for a barometer, with two buckles. An internal wooden support would have housed the barometer, and is opened and closed by two small metal hinges. There is a small circular indentation in the wooden support.
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis leather carrying case would have housed a mercury barometer during transportation. Because mercury barometers were very fragile, extra care had to be taken during transportation, and the internal wooden support would have kept the barometer straight and tightly in place. The small hinges open the wooden case, which is pulled apart using the small circular indentation. The leather case would probably have had a strap for carrying it over one's shoulder.