Barometers Realm

This Art Deco Perpetual Calendar with Hygrometer, crafted around 1915, is a testament to refined taste and precision, encased in a 16-centimeter frame of lustrous ebony. The case, crafted from rare and precious ebony wood, radiates a deep, velvety allure that elevates its stature as a functional work of art. Front and center, an elegant pocket, also carved from ebony, holds six delicate cards of ivory-hued galalith — a unique, milk-based plastic prized for its durability and smooth finish. The cards, organized to create a perpetual calendar, measure three by five centimeters for the months and three by four centimeters for the days and dates, each one subtly hinting at the artisanal labor that produced this sophisticated piece.

Galalith, known as casein plastic, enriches the historical allure of this calendar. Derived from casein, a milk protein, it is made by curdling milk and then treating it with formaldehyde, resulting in a resilient material that combines the elegance of natural origins with the durability of early plastics. Developed in the late 19th century, galalith became a favored medium for luxury goods in the early 20th century, appearing in buttons, jewelry, pens, and other decorative items cherished for their timeless beauty.