VTG Spirit Thermometers
Updated September 20, 2026
| Lot number | 305 |
| Auction | Cedars Fine Estate Part 2 |
| Date | October 7, 2026 at 8:05 PM EDT |
| Auction house | Amber Door Estate Sales Inc. |
| Location | Niagara-on-the-Lake |
This lot comprises two mid-twentieth century spirit thermometers designed for different environmental monitoring tasks. The larger instrument is a wall-mounted thermometer featuring a mahogany-stained wooden plaque with a rounded base and a keyhole hanger for mounting. It incorporates a black-enameled metal faceplate with a Fahrenheit scale graduated in two-degree increments, ranging from -60 to 120 degrees. The numbering is staggered across both sides of the central tube. The top of the glass spirit tube is secured by a decorative, slotted brass guard. The second instrument is a specialized refrigerator or freezer thermometer labeled as a Food-Safety Indicator. It consists of a glass tube housed between two cylindrical metal end caps. The internal scale is divided into three distinct operational areas: a Freezing Zone below 32 degrees, a Safety Zone between 32 and 50 degrees, and a Danger Zone above 50 degrees. Both instruments utilize red-dyed alcohol as the thermometric liquid. Dimensions of wall thermometer: approx. L 22.7 cm Dimensions of food-safety indicator: approx. L 9.6 cm (Measured against a visible tape measure). Condition: The wall-mounted thermometer shows minor surface abrasions and small nicks to the wooden frame. The metal faceplate and brass hardware exhibit light wear and superficial oxidation. The glass spirit tube is intact with a continuous red liquid column. The food-safety indicator shows more pronounced oxidation and pitting on the metal end caps. The glass housing and internal printed scale remain clear and legible. Both instruments appear to be in functional condition.
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