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Object Overview
This Baroque‑Ornamented Desk Barometer, created around 1880 at the renowned Ferdinand Killmer foundry in collaboration with E.G. Zimmermann, is a true work of art in which symbolism, craftsmanship, and the aesthetics of the era are united into a single masterpiece. The barometer’s case is made of bronze and mounted on a stone base.
At the heart of the composition is a circular frame housing the barometer, upheld by two figures of Roman warriors. Their armor and distinctive crested helmets evoke the grandeur of the Roman Empire, symbolizing strength, discipline, and authority—reinforcing the notion of mankind’s attempt to harness and predict natural forces. At the base, reclining horses introduce a sense of stability and monumentality, counterbalancing the dynamic energy of the composition.
Rising above the frame is a slender spire, a direct reference to the heavens and atmosphere, underscoring the barometer’s function. Beneath the spire perches a double-headed eagle, its heads turned outward. This emblem signifies power, vigilance, and the unity of two realms—earthly and celestial—emphasizing the significance of knowledge and the observation of nature.
14031
Lessing-Brauckmann
brass, bronze, cardboard, glass, stone
The manufacturer of the unusual movement of this barometer is Brauckmann, while the distinctive design was likely created by Emil Lessing. Inside the aneroid capsule, a helical spring is positioned at the center, which is why the characteristic external springs typical of aneroids are absent. Another notable feature of the mechanism is the absence of a chain connecting the lever to the indicator assembly—instead, a thin twisted thread is used.
The barometer’s dial is crafted from carton board, upon which the barometric scale is inscribed in centimeters of mercury, accompanied by a standard weather indication in Dutch, written in uppercase letters. Through the open dial, a breathtaking view of the intricate internal movement unfolds. The eye is drawn into the depths of the mechanism, tracing the path along exquisitely crafted brass components until it meets the golden aneroid capsule at the core.
To protect the dial, a beveled glass cover is set within a brass bezel, which is securely fastened to the barometer’s body with screws.
The company E.G. Zimmermann was founded in the city of Hanau, Germany, by the art caster Ernst Georg Zimmermann in the mid-19th century. Zimmermann began his career through a collaboration with the Berlin foundry A.R. Seebass around 1839–1842. In 1842, he established his own foundry workshop in Hanau and continued to cooperate with his former partner on some projects until the mid-1840s. At that time, cast iron art (Eisenkunstguss) was on the rise, and the new Hanau-based firm quickly gained a strong reputation.
Already within the first decades, E.G. Zimmermann was successfully competing with the Royal Prussian Foundry in Berlin, producing both original models and adaptations of popular Berlin designs. A distinctive feature of its products became the “Carpe Diem” (“Seize the Moment”) trademark, which the company began using in the second half of the 19th century.
By the late 19th century, E.G. Zimmermann collaborated with renowned Hanau metal caster and jeweler Ferdinand Killmer to create especially intricate pieces. Killmer, a court jeweler and sculptor, was widely celebrated for his mastery of art casting and metalwork. Trained at the Hanau Academy of Arts, he specialized in small sculpture and decorative metal casting, taught apprentices, and eventually passed his workshop on to a successor after his death.
One result of this collaboration was the production of decorative bronze housings, which complemented Zimmermann’s traditional cast iron product line. In particular, E.G. Zimmermann commissioned Killmer’s foundry to manufacture refined bronze cases for desk barometers in the late 19th century. These instruments were, in fact, jointly produced works: the artistic design and branding belonged to Zimmermann, while the cast housings were crafted in Killmer’s workshop. This partnership combined Zimmermann’s large-scale manufacturing capabilities with Killmer’s jeweler-level precision in bronze casting, resulting in highly artistic meteorological instruments and other ornamental objects.
Foundry logo
The manufactory hallmark of FERDINAND KILLMER, located on the back surface, takes the form of a circular emblem, where symbols are meticulously arranged to reflect the philosophy and values of the maker. At the center lies a spoked wheel — likely a ship’s steering wheel — a powerful symbol of movement, progress, and artisanal craftsmanship. Near the left spoke, elements resembling flames can be discerned—an embodiment of energy and the dynamic nature of the manufacturing process.
Above the wheel, an anvil and hammer intersect, signifying the importance of manual labor and the force of creation. Just below, gracefully draped fabric bears the Latin motto "Carpe Diem"—"Seize the moment." This inscription not only underscores the significance of action in the present but also highlights the value of cherishing the fruits of one's labor. A handcrafted piece is not merely a utilitarian object but a work of art, deserving of admiration.
In the lower section of the circle, the Masonic compass and square are depicted—timeless symbols of the Freemason’s journey, shaping raw stone into refined form. The square represents Earth, while the compass symbolizes the Heavens, encapsulating ideals of integrity, harmony, and the pursuit of perfection.
Encircling the emblem, the name of the manufactory, "FERD: KILLMER", is inscribed, marking the piece as the creation of a specific foundry. Below it, the serial number "14031" serves as a unique identifier of the product.
This hallmark embodies a delicate balance between craftsmanship, philosophy, and art, uniting the symbolism of artisanal mastery, creative energy, and the joy of accomplishment.