Summary

Aneroid barometer in leather carrying case, used on the Trans-Antarctic Expedition, 1914-1917, led by Ernest Shackleton. This is part of Museum Victoria's collection of artefacts from the 'Heroic Era' exploration of Antarctica.

Physical Description

Circular silver metal barometer with loop at top and black numerals on front. Inside a brown leather case with purple velvet lining. A brown leather strap is attached to the barometer and there is an inscription scratched into the back. Inside the case are three small cards: "BAROMETER (A.K. JACK) Checked against Fortin in lab and against Weather Bureau at 9.15 am on 30/6/36. Correction nil G.S."; Barometer. [A.K. JACK] Checked against mercury Barometer in laboratory. (Cf University) Check (cor for temp + meniscus) Correction .12 inch High. 20/12/34 G.S."; and "Against T.N.T. STANDARD MERCURY BAROMETER Correction - Nil. 12.7.29".

Significance

This is a rare artefact from Ernest Shackleton's Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-1917.
Although this is one of the most well-known and moving Antarctic stories, the role of the Ross Sea Party in this expedition is less well known. This object, given to A.K. Jack by Shackleton, helps to tell the stories of both the main expedition and the Ross Sea party, while also illustrating the meteorological research that was so important to these expeditions.

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