Expert didn’t invent namesake barometer

Adm. Robert Fitzroy (18051865) is best known to collectors for a barometer he did not invent. But historians know about his accomplishments in the navy and predicting weather.

He joined the English navy at the age of 12, was captain of the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his expeditions, was elected to Parliament in 1841, and became governor of New Zealand in 1843.

He also published an important book about weather, made sure there was a barometer in every port, and made charts that predicted the weather for sailors as the first “weather forecaster,” a name he made up.

He improved the design of barometers, but he didn’t invent the one now named for him.

Q: I know you should not use boiled linseed oil to polish wooden furniture, but what oil should I use?

A: Some experts say that you shouldn’t use any type of oil on finished wood — not even oil-based polishes This clock and barometer, named for Adm. Robert Fitzroy, sold for $270. surface regularly.

Q: I found a snowleopard skin in an antique suitcase in my dad’s attic. The skin is around 100 years old but is in perfect condition. What is it worth? Who would want it — a museum or a Russian supermodel?

A: It’s too old for the Russian supermodel, but it could sell at an auction. Snow leopard skin rugs sold at auction for $550 to $1,100 plus buyer’s premium a couple of years ago.

Current prices

Prices recorded from throughout the U.S.

■ Wooden display shelf, grain-painted, hourglass elements, scalloped crest, 25 x 29 inches, $90

■ Bohemian glass garniture, two urns, white overlay, cut to red, flowers, round box, c. 1875, 3 pieces, $155

■ Door knocker, mask, grotesque, horned head, knocker ring in mouth, 14 x 8 inches, $190

■ Alligator sprinkler, heart-shaped sprayer, 8 ½ inches, $330

■ Weathervane, steam tractor, wagon, spoked wheels, sheet steel, 18 x 53 inches, $425