Vintage Fever Thermometers

A Timeless Classic in Temperature Measurement

Welcome to Vintage Fever Thermometers, a resource and marketplace dedicated to preserving the history, craftsmanship, and collecting of vintage mercury-in-glass fever thermometers.

Here you’ll find detailed brand histories, identification guides, and a curated selection of oral and rectal thermometers from iconic makers like Becton, Dickinson & Co. (B-D), Faichney, Trophy/Propper, Taylor, and more.

Why Vintage Mercury Thermometers Still Matter

For more than a century, the mercury fever thermometer was the gold standard in medical temperature measurement. Its design — a precision glass tube with a mercury column and a finely marked temperature scale — offered unmatched accuracy and reliability in homes, hospitals, and doctors’ offices around the world.

Mercury’s unique properties make it ideal for this purpose. It remains liquid at room temperature, expands and contracts evenly with temperature changes, and doesn’t stick to glass, ensuring a clear, consistent reading. With no batteries required, these thermometers were simple to use, durable, and capable of lasting decades with proper care.

Types of Vintage Fever Thermometers

  • Oral Mercury Thermometers – Long-stem models with clear or blue-tinted tips, designed for use under the tongue.
  • Glass Rectal Thermometers – Shorter, sturdier designs with red-tinted tips for safety and easy identification.
  • Specialty & Basal Thermometers – Including “Stubby” multipurpose models and fertility-tracking designs with narrower scales.

Explore our store categories:

Explore by Brand

Each brand has its own history, design features, and collectible appeal. Learn more in our detailed brand profiles:

Collecting and Preserving Vintage Thermometers

Many vintage mercury thermometers remain highly accurate even decades after manufacture. Their stability comes from the mercury-in-glass design, which resists wear and maintains calibration when stored properly. Collectors value these instruments for their precision, their variety of designs and packaging, and their role in medical history.

If you’re new to collecting, our FAQ on Mercury Thermometers covers care, storage, and how to identify different types.

In conclusion, vintage mercury thermometers are more than just tools — they are pieces of history. Whether you’re a collector, a medical history enthusiast, or simply appreciate the craftsmanship of these classic instruments, we invite you to explore our site, browse our collection, and discover the stories behind each thermometer.