Object Description
A Late 19th Century Walnut Stick Barometer
By R & J Beck of London
Constructed from walnut, with elegant, moulded edges and carved details, surmounted by a scrolled pediment, the barometer read according to the scale and verniers behind the glass cover, having a pair of knobs below and an inset alcohol thermometer carved with conforming details. Signed ‘R & J Beck / 68 Cornhill / London.’
English, circa 1895
R & J Beck
R & J Beck was a British manufacturer based in London producing optical equipment, as well as camera lenses, barometers, and other scientific instruments. Established in 1843 by Richard and Joseph Beck along with James Smith, the company rebranded to Beck & Beck in 1865 after Smith’s retirement. Moving to their 68 Cornhill address in the 1880s, the company traded under the name of R & J Beck, where they stayed until the onset of the First World War.