Barometers Realm

Bentley’s Weather Sentinel Barometer in a leather travel case, circa 1925, signed B. Fransioli and PNHB. The barometer’s body is crafted from radiant brass, with a mirror-polished back that features a small adjustment hole for precise calibration. The wide, cylindrical side of the body is elegantly threaded directly into the brass, allowing the locking ring to screw securely in place. The front of the barometer is crowned by a tall, knurled bezel, into which a flat glass with beveled edges is set. The bezel houses a slender, blued steel trend indicator needle, mounted on a reflective brass ring. The bezel rotates effortlessly by hand, enabling precise alignment of the trend indicator to record the current atmospheric pressure.

The barometer features a 5.5 cm silvered brass dial, the upper part inscribed with standard meteorological terms in French, engraved in bold uppercase letters. The semi-circular barometric scale is graduated in centimeters of mercury, ranging from 66 to 80. At the center of the barometer sits a robust blued steel pointer, adorned with a crescent-shaped tail for added grace and balance.

This exquisite instrument is mounted in a flat saffian leather travel case, which not only ensures safe transportation but also doubles as a functional stand, allowing the device to be quickly set up and operated. Saffian leather is a fine, high-quality goatskin traditionally tanned with plant-based substances, usually derived from bark or leaves. It has a smooth, slightly glossy surface, sometimes with a light grain or hand-applied pattern. Durable yet flexible, it is ideal for cases, wallets, and bookbindings. Originally produced in Morocco, it was especially valued in Germany, France, and Russia. The word “saffian” comes from the city of Safi, from where the leather was exported to Europe. In the context of this set, the saffian case indicates that this was not just a travel instrument, but a premium object intended for affluent 19th-century travelers.

B.Fransioli, a Swiss maker of precision instruments in Montreux. B. Fransioli, in collaboration with the American company Tycos, produced automotive altimeters that were installed in luxury cars of the 1920s–1930s, such as Duesenberg and Bentley. These instruments, essentially aneroid barometers with dual scales — the barometric scale, graduated in centimeters of mercury, positioned on the inner dial, and the altimetric scale, graduated in meters, on the outer — served as an important accessory for drivers of that era.

The altimeters allowed drivers to measure altitude above sea level, which was especially useful when traveling through mountainous regions where changes in elevation could significantly impact the car’s performance and passenger comfort. Additionally, the barometric scale helped assess weather conditions, alerting drivers to potential changes such as approaching rain or storms.

These devices not only provided functionality but also emphasized the prestige of the automobile, adding a touch of sophistication and technological advancement to the dashboard. Altimeters by B. Fransioli and Tycos perfectly combined practical utility with aesthetics, making them a popular choice among luxury car owners.

B. Fransioli is a mystery brand about which little information has been preserved. However, since the dial is signed by both B. Fransioli and PNHB, it can be assumed that the barometer was produced in collaboration between the two manufacturers, a practice that was common at the time. It is likely that PNHB supplied specific parts of the barometer. This collaboration is further evidenced by B. Fransioli’s partnership with Tycos in the production of automotive altimeters. Both instruments — the automotive altimeter and the aneroid travel barometer — share an identical form factor. Each could be mounted either on a car’s dashboard or housed in a leather travel case, showcasing their dual-purpose design and adaptability.