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Object Overview
The early 20th-century 4-dial aneroid barometer crafted by the renowned Italian master Onorato Comitti, who emigrated to England and established his workshops in Clerkenwell, the heart of instrument and clockmaking in London, stands as a testament to the fusion of craftsmanship and innovation. The case, elegantly veneered in mahogany with a herringbone pattern, showcases a refined balance between rich wood tones and intricate detailing. This pattern not only enhances the visual texture but also invites the observer to appreciate the meticulous attention to craftsmanship.
A distinctive "broken" pediment crowns the barometer, adorned with a brass finial, adding a touch of classical elegance and reflecting the architectural influences of the period. At the very top of the case sits a tiny "butler’s mirror," a hallmark inherited from four- and five-dial mercury barometers housed in banjo-shaped cases. This small mirror, both a decorative flourish and a nod to the instrument's heritage, subtly echoes the traditional roots of English barometer-making.
Beneath the mirror, a removable alcohol thermometer is housed, featuring dual Fahrenheit and Centigrade scales. The thermometer is encased in a wooden frame with a flat glass protector, blending seamlessly into the barometer's overall design while highlighting its utilitarian function. The placement of the thermometer reflects a keen sense of proportion, contributing to the instrument’s visual harmony.
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Below the thermometer lies the central element of the barometer — a metal dial with a scale engraved in millimeters of mercury and millibars. Crafted for the Dutch market, the dial bears standard weather indications in Dutch, establishing a clear connection to its intended audience and locale. The engraved scale, with its precise divisions, is protected by flat glass with beveled edges, framed by a brass bezel that adds a touch of understated sophistication. This combination of materials and finishes underscores the master’s dedication to creating a reliable and aesthetically pleasing instrument.
Finally, at the base of the barometer rests a small hygrometer, its own dial also protected by glass and encircled by a brass bezel. This lower dial completes the quartet of measurements, each playing a role in the instrument’s functionality and visual narrative. The arrangement of these four elements — the four dials — gives the barometer its characteristic name, “4-dial barometer.”
This barometer exemplifies Onorato Comitti’s successful synthesis of traditional craftsmanship with the evolving demands of the early 20th-century market. It occupies a significant place in the history of scientific and decorative instruments, representing not only a mastery of technique but also a deep understanding of aesthetic composition.