I found an old thermometer, barometer, and hygrometer at a neat local upcycle shop. It reminded me of something my grandparents would have had, and I thought it was in the style that my husband would like. The owner said she wasn’t sure it worked, but I assured her it was OK, if it didn’t, I would take it apart and see what I can do, (especially for only $6.) At home I cleaned it up and found the adjustment screw on the back of the barometer. We looked up the local pressure and set the dial hand to that number. The next day, the barometer hand had moved and still matched the internet reading! Hurray! The thermometer had settled in and seemed to be working, but the hygrometer didn’t have an adjustment screw and the reading was way too high.

I took the hygrometer apart. The case was plastic, so the piece isn’t that old, but the tabs were in good condition so I was able to pop it open with little fuss. The mechanism of the hygrometer is fascinating. It is just a strip of metal (I’m guessing brass because of the color) with paper on one side (it could be hide, but I think I can detect fibers), wound into a coil. As the humidity in the room rises, the organic material absorbs more water and swells, which forces the coil open slightly, which moves the dial hand. I did give the coil a slight tightening, then removed the clear cover and set the dial according to my eldest’s snake hygrometer.

After observing for a couple days, the hygrometer on my found piece seemed to work! I had also brought in the chicken thermometer from the coop, and we determined that it wasn’t giving a good reading anymore. I ordered a new outdoor thermometer/hygrometer for the coop, and hung the decorative one in the kitchen. I’m not planning on making scientific measurements with it, but it is interesting to see the changes In barometric pressure and humidity. I’m hoping my weather obsessed youngest takes some interest!