Barometers Realm

This Black Forest carved barometer, dating to around 1875, was made for the Dutch market, with W. Cammenga, the Leeuwarden watchmaker, likely acting as the retailer. The case is carved from walnut of a warm brown tone with a subtle golden sheen. At the top sits a large carved pine cone executed in the Facetenschliff technique — diamond-shaped facets imitating natural scales; the cone is encircled by a radiating crown of sharp leaves reminiscent of prickly bracts. The pine cone is a classical symbol of fertility and longevity, a frequent motif in large Black Forest carvings.

Beneath the cone are two massive clusters of grapes — the Rebenwerk motif, “vine work,” which became popular in the carved-barometer industry from 1880 to 1900, especially in the workshops of Triberg and Furtwangen. The thermometric plaque is let directly into the structure, appearing almost organically absorbed into the vine.

On both sides of the barometer stand two large birds, the Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus). Their outstretched wings seem to embrace the barometer, forming the lateral edges of the case.

At the bottom of the composition lies a rich bouquet: a central carved rose — symbol of prosperity and craftsmanship — flanked by ivy leaves (symbolizing eternity) and forest blossoms.

The barometer’s open dial is made of thick card. The concentric scale is graduated in centimetres of mercury, ranging from 72 to 80, and is accompanied by standard Dutch weather indications. The dial is protected by a thick mineral-glass lens with a faceted rim, set into a brass bezel. A ribbed knob mounted on the glass allows the user to adjust the brass trend-indicator hand.

The mercury thermometer is mounted on an opaline-glass plate and carries two temperature scales: Réaumur and Fahrenheit.

At the heart of the barometer is an early aneroid movement, constructed in the tradition of Lucien Vidie’s mechanisms. The 65-mm aneroid capsule is tensioned against an elegant curved lever, which rests at one end against a coiled spring. Both the lever and the movement’s supporting plate are made of steel coated with a thick decorative bronze-gold layer — a coarse bronze-powder gilding; the exposed surface is engraved with an ornamental pattern.

The bridge carrying the pointer arbor is shaped like a harp, giving the entire movement a sense of lightness and refinement. The motion of the aneroid capsule is transmitted to the pointer arbor by means of a classic fusee chain. Regrettably, the maker of this beautiful movement remains unknown.

Together, the refined walnut carving, the naturalistic iconography, and the elegant early aneroid mechanism form a characteristic and highly decorative example of Black Forest craftsmanship made specifically for export to the Netherlands in the last quarter of the 19th century.