19th Century barometer from South Shields

[metaphoric]

I'm not a South Shields resident, but I recently found a 19th century English ship's barometer, about 1840-1850 in date I think, signed with a maker's name of L. Simon, South Shields, and the title "Optician", meaning a maker of mathematical and optical instruments. Strangely, I cannot find any reference to L. Simon in any of the usual directories for this type of thing. Can anyone tell me if they know of such a maker or company operating around the mid-19th century in South Shields? These barometers were also often sold by ships' chandlerys with their own name on them, but the "Optician" title wouldn't indicate that, I don't believe. Any descendants of L. Simon out there? I'll be happy to send pictures in exchange for information.

Many thanks.

[Jerry]

Ward's Directory for 1859 has an L.Simon, Optician, trading at 10 Market Place South Shields.


Jerry

[metaphoric]

Many thanks. Are the Ward's directories on line somewhere in searchable format? I've found the index to trade directories on the GENUKI site, but they are mostly not searchable there.

[baldy.smith]

At a later date (1895) a T Alexander bootmaker was at 10 Market Place. So L Simons had either passed on, closed down or moved.

[metaphoric]

Thanks, Baldy. Have one on me.

[Jerry]

I've not really tried to locate Wards Trade Directories online. The trails seem to peter out at the central library in major urban centres. I know the Newcastle upon Tyne local studies department has these and other directories. You could ask them for onward directions and if there is online access:

[email protected]

( ) 0191 277 4116

They are usually courteous and helpful.

Good luck

Jerry

[baldy.smith]

Here is an good site for directories which you can search for free.

http://www.historicaldirectories.org/hd ... cation.asp

Lewis Simon, optician is listed in a 1850 directory at 10 Market Place
the address was obviously shared as I have found other people with the same address in 1850. They were probably on diferent floors

[metaphoric]

Baldy, you're wonderful. Thanks. I owe you.