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Object Overview
The Bourdon barometer, crafted circa 1860 by the distinguished artisans Bourdon and Richard, transcends the realm of mere instrumentation to become a genuine embodiment of artistic ingenuity and mechanical sophistication. With a diameter of 130 mm, its brass case is designed in a classic drum form, featuring a bayonet fitting bezel and a back plate, which includes a shuttered calibration port. The meticulously polished brass emanates a sophisticated warmth, evoking the inherent value of high-caliber antique artifacts.
The internal mechanism of this barometer serves as a stage upon which mechanical engineering and artistic sensibility engage in an intricate interplay. Concealed within the radiant brass Bourdon tube lies an exquisite rack and pinion system, an intricacy that comes alive through its interaction with the pointer. A mechanical transmission is installed between the ends of the Bourdon tube, converting changes in the tube’s curvature into the movement of the pointer using two connecting rods and gear wheels. A spherical counterweight is mounted on the side of the pivot point of the gear segment. It maintains constant tension in the joints and gear engagement, preventing the so-called dead play, where minor pressure fluctuations fail to appear on the barometer scale due to the inevitable backlash in the rack-and-pinion mechanism.
9419
early Bourdon
brass, cardboard, glass, steel
This movement represents an exemplary achievement in craftsmanship, wherein each component operates in harmonious synchrony, manifesting a palpable sense of precision and cohesion. The movement is signed with the monogram FR — Felix Richard. The barometer encapsulates the evolution of scientific inquiry, reminding us of humanity's enduring pursuit to domesticate the formidable forces of nature.
The dial, exposed yet shielded as though a heart encased in crystal, is composed of two distinct segments. On the inner disc is a barometric scale calibrated in centimeters of mercury. An interesting and extremely rare feature of this barometer is its adjustable scale. The dial consists of two discs: the outer one, bearing weather annotations, is fixed, while the inner disc with the barometric scale can be rotated. The inner disc can be turned relative to the outer one. For the weather terms to have any real meaning, the manufacturer must shift their positions according to the specific location where the barometer will be used. Moreover, based on a large number of observations, the manufacturer has to determine the average barometric pressure at that location and place the word “Change” precisely at that level. With a dial featuring a barometric scale that can rotate along the weather terms, the owner of the instrument can adjust the markings themselves when moving from place to place, aligning “Change” to the appropriate pressure level.
The inscription "Baromètre Métallique" flanked by the Golden Medal for the triumph at the 1849 Exhibition and the Council Medal for the accomplishment at the Great Exhibition of 1851, draws attention to the symbolic value of the barometer. It occupies a significant place in the history of both art and technology, marking a moment when mechanics and aesthetics were unified into a cohesive form.
The indicator hand, crafted from blued steel, extends toward the future, its vigorous movement freezing an ephemeral instant on the dial, while the brass set marker, with its graceful clock-hand-like shape, conveys an impression of sculptural completeness. This design defies mundanity, emphasizing the interplay between utility and aesthetic sophistication.
The flat glass that shields the dial, with its beveled edges, creates an interplay of light and shadow that evokes a sense of depth, as if this barometer were a window into a world where humanity and nature engage in perpetual dialogue. Here, the essence of existence lies in the pursuit of equilibrium between precision and beauty. The Bourdon barometer is not merely an instrument; it is a poem in brass and glass, a testament to humanity's aspiration to master the unpredictable forces of the atmosphere.
After registering his crescent-shaped design in 1849, Bourdon began producing his barometers under a license with Felix Richard, a renowned manufacturer of scientific instruments and clocks. In 1876, Felix's son, Jules Richard, continued production and later partnered with his younger brother, Max, forming Richard Frères. The company used the distinctive monogram 'RF' as its logo. It produced barometers, anemometers, pyrometers, aneroid barographs, and dynamometers. Although the partnership was dissolved in 1891, the company retained the partnership name, with Jules Richard remaining the sole leader until 1921. In later years, the company expanded into producing photographic equipment, but Bourdon's mechanism remained a key product at least until the late 19th century.