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Object Overview
The early 20th-century Floor Cistern Barometer impresses not only with its unique design but also with its rare feature — the ability to be used from both sides. This barometer, crafted from noble mahogany, carries not just functional significance but also symbolizes the rich legacy of artisanal craftsmanship. Its sturdy body, carved from luxurious mahogany, bestows the structure with a sense of grandeur and stability, creating a vivid contrast between the warm texture of the wood and the cool brilliance of glass and metal.
The centerpiece of the barometer is an elegant glass cistern with a refined wooden cap, which seems to seal the mysterious forces of nature within the instrument. The transparency of the cistern, combined with the deep, rich tones of the mahogany, creates a captivating play of light and shadow, allowing the observer to follow the movement of the mercury with keen interest.
A metallic register plate, adorned with double-sided engravings of the scale in millimeters of mercury, highlights the barometer's uniqueness. Unlike traditional barometers, it lacks a defined front side — thanks to its thoughtful design, readings can be taken from either side, making this instrument one of a kind. Therein lies a kind of two-sided dialogue between the observer and the instrument — the barometer invites one to view it from different perspectives, raising questions of precision and the meaning of measurements.
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The register plate is fixed between a threaded rod passing through the spring bridge and a steel rod extending into the mercury reservoir lid. Just above the reservoir, there is an adjustment screw that allows for regulating the spring height and, consequently, the position of the register plate for precise calibration. This unique engineering solution enables observation from either side, giving the observer a sense of involvement in the adjustment and calibration process.
The mahogany Floor Cistern Barometer stands as an example of a rare combination of aesthetics and utility. It not only displays weather changes but also embodies a philosophy of exploration and deep understanding of the world, allowing the observer to view it from both sides and perceive it from different perspectives. This is not merely an instrument but a philosophical object of sorts, revealing hidden connections between man and nature, past and present.