1820-1840
GOOD
The five-dial barometer is a rare work of art from the first half of the 19th century, created by the Boston master Dominic Gugeri between 1820 and 1840. This barometer, whose shape resembles an elegant banjo, combines both musical allusions and engineering elegance. The body is crafted from pine, overlaid with a veneer of African mahogany, whose deep, rich tones evoke warm, velvety sunsets over the sea. The lines of the body seem like frozen waves, while the luxurious veneer captures the fleeting moments of visual pleasure, created by nature and the skilled hands of the artisan.
The scrollwork pediment of the barometer is crowned by a brass urn, a familiar symbol in the classical aesthetics of barometers, adding visual balance and completing the symphony of forms. This element defies time and space — its austerity and grandeur contrast with the dynamic nature of the other elements, as if balancing the invisible air pressure. The urn, as an eternal symbol, represents stability in a world of ever-changing weather conditions that this intricate mechanism tracks.
The centerpiece of the composition is an eight-inch dial made of silvered brass, its soft glow gently catching the light and emphasizing the refinement of the engravings. The scale, meticulously engraved in London inches of mercury, is not only functional but also a thing of beauty. The master’s name engraved on the dial echoes like the signature of an artist on a canvas, leaving a lasting mark on the history of art and science. The blued steel pointer, with its cool blue hue, evokes cold, crisp dawns when the clarity of the atmosphere is sharp and uncompromising. This delicate touch lends the piece elegance and completeness.
The domed glass that protects the dial adds volume and depth, as if placing the measurements of time and air into a special capsule, shielded from the external world. The brass bezel that holds the glass harmoniously completes the composition, framing the dial with a thin yet sturdy edge.
Additional elements of the case enhance the impression of this barometer as a multifunctional device: a removable alcohol thermometer with a Fahrenheit scale, a hygrometer with a brass dial, a "butler’s mirror," whose dark wooden frame sharply contrasts with the brass shine, and finally, an alcohol level with the inscription "warranted correct," promising accuracy and infallibility of measurements. These elements are like instruments in an orchestra, each playing in harmony with the central theme.
The built-in mechanism for moving the marker needle, based on two wheels connected by a thread, adds a note of engineering intrigue. The brass handle beneath the dial, controlling this process, completes the intricate melody of motion. The barometer’s height of 97.5 centimeters gives it a majestic presence, making this instrument not just a utilitarian device but a true monument of the finest craftsmanship, capable of capturing the heart of anyone who gazes upon it.
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