JOSEPH FINNEY, LIVERPOOL

Object Description

A possibly unique museum quality George III period mahogany stick barometer by the best-known clock and instrument maker from Liverpool.

The unusual architectural mahogany case has a central scrolled pedimented top set above a moulded swanneck to each side which terminates in a gilt brass rosette. The two rectangular silvered brass register plates are signed by the maker Jos. Finney in Liverpool. The states of the weather are shown on the left-hand plate and to the right the barometer scale is indicated from 28-31 inches and there is an elaborate table for more precise measurements to 1/100th inch. The scales are enclosed within a hinged and moulded glass door. The unusual moulded cistern cover graduates to a point at the base of the trunk.

Object History

Provenance: The Sir Nicholas Goodison Collection. Acquired from Anthony Woodburn, Lewes, at the Grosvenor House Fair in June, 2001.

The Finneys are mentioned on page 267 of Brian Loomes’ Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World: Complete 21st Century Collection. Joseph Finney Senior was born circa 1708 in Wilmslow (Cheshire) and was made free of the Clockmakers’ Company in 1732. He was active in Finney’s Lane, Thomas Street, Liverpool from 1761 until his death in 1772. He was succeeded by his son of the same name who worked in Richmond Street, Liverpool from 1770 until 1796.

Jos Finney Senior was known for a number of complicated astronomical and musical clocks and year duration regulators. This barometer was almost certainly made by JF Senior. Its unique architectural design is perhaps as a result of Finney also working as an architect.

Object Literature

References: Nicholas Goodison, English Barometers 1680 – 1860, Antique Collectors Club.Joseph Finney of Liverpool is recorded on pages 68 – 70. See also Plate 18 for a possibly unique architectural angle barometer by this rare maker which is in the Collection of the Science Museum. On page 321 there is a further reference: Finney, Liverpool: Angle Barometer with glass cistern set in mahogany case carved in classical style – Science Museum, London (plate 18).

Object Details