Standard aneroid barometers used by the historic U.S. Life-Saving Service were housed in durable wooden or brass cases, typically featuring standard inventory numbers and mechanical movements supplied by makers like Short & Mason or Hulot & Naudet.
This was an estate find. In nice condition as seen in pics. Has adjustment on backside as seen in pics. Labeled #534. Please see pics before buying. Looks to work. Needle has moved over the days of bad weather.
Overview of Life-Saving Service Barometers
- Design: Built with heavy-duty wooden cases (often measuring roughly 7½ inches square) or brass mountings designed to withstand harsh marine environments and station vibrations. [1, 2]
- Identification: Standard units featured an engraved or stamped inventory number on the upper back corner, along with periodic calibration and inspection labels. [1]
- Function: They rely on an evacuated metal capsule (aneroid cell) that expands or contracts with shifts in air pressure, moving a mechanical linkage and pointer needle without using hazardous liquid mercury
- The United States Life-Saving Service was a federal government agency created to rescue shipwreck survivors and passengers along American coasts. It operated from 1848 until 1915, when it combined with the Revenue Cutter Service to form the modern United States Coast Guard. [1, 2]History and Organization
- Establishment: Congress first provided funding for rescue stations in 1848, and the agency became a formal, independent unit under the Treasury Department in 1878. [1, 2]
- Leadership: Sumner I. Kimball led the agency for 37 years starting in 1871, creating strict professional standards, regular drills, and a well-organized network of stations. [1, 2]
- Motto: The surfmen famously lived by the unofficial motto, "You have to go out, but you don't have to come back.
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