What The----?

[JohnM]

When I bought my cabin, this was hanging on the wall. It was about half full of a red liquid that has turned clear as it has evaporated. The only opening to the air is at the top of the "spout", and it is made of clear glass. My guess was it's some kind of old time barometer? There is such a wide and varied pool of knowledge on this forum, maybe someone has seen something like this before. Thanks.

[Peter, Memphis TN]

I believe you are correct. Barometer.

[perry kete]

I found this picture on the ebay site. They call it a "Thunder Weather Barometer"

[JohnM]

Thank you very much! That was my guess, but there is no scale or markings on it. You would have to remember the level when you filled it to estimate the change. Now that I know, I can research it better. Thanks!

[TXGOAT2]

A scale could be added.

[Kaiser]

Yes it is a simple barometer or 'Thunderglass" it will not give you accurate readings but it will tell if airpressure is rising or falling, and thus give an indication of weather change over the horizon.
If airpressure is dropping, the level in the spout will rise, and with depression comes bad weather.
When the level in the spout drops, air pressure is rising thus a good chance of better weather.
The trick is to fill the vessel on a day with a median airpressure for your area and altitude, fill it so the vessel is about half full, then hang it from the eye on top and with a small tube or syringe take some fluid from the spout till the level is the same as in the vessel, that way you have a general idea if airpressure is higher, lower or about normal for your area.
Have fun with it !
Oh by the way, you can fill it with any fluid, water, oil, alcohol, any will work, the amount of evaporation depends on which fluid you fill it with.

[TXGOAT2]

Needs to be out of the sun.

[JohnM]

I did find some information about it but, Leo you about summed it up. Thanks. I will tinker with it, most importantly when someone asks I can now tell them what it is.