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Object Overview
This Large Bourdon barometer by HÜE, whose retailer in the Netherlands was L.J. Harri, is a masterpiece of the late 19th century that captivates the eye with its elegant form and stately height of 73.5 cm. Its shape alludes to a musical instrument, transforming this barometer in a banjo case into more than just a scientific device; it becomes a visual symphony where every detail is a note, carefully composed and executed with the utmost mastery. The case, crafted from rare ebony veneer, seems to absorb light with its deep black texture, evoking a sense of silent strength and mystery. This veneer, a luxury in itself, underscores the high status of the piece and its uniqueness.
On the front, like the crowning achievement of the design, carved acanthus leaves are arranged. Their sinuous lines play with shadows, creating the impression of movement, as if nature has paused at the peak of its bloom. The central element, styled as a heraldic shield, forms the axis of the composition, from which three acanthus leaves unfold like waves. This shield is not merely a decorative feature — it invites the viewer to delve into the depths of symbolism and history, challenging conventional perceptions of form.
n/a
late Bourdon
brass, glass, wood
However, the aesthetic magic is not confined to the external appearance. Here, every movement of the craftsman was deliberate, each element seamlessly integrated into the overall design. On the back of the case, hidden from view, lies the transport locking key for the barometer’s mechanism—a small functional element designed as a pin, with the word “DÉPOSE” engraved on its head. The second, longer pin located nearby bears no inscription and serves as a calibration key.
Unlike aneroid barometers, Bourdon barometers are equipped with both a unique transport locking mechanism and a calibration system. When the provided key is inserted into the central port on the rear panel of the instrument, it engages with the square base of the arbour. In doing so, a lever positioned in the same plane and close to the arbour presses against the slipping drive pinion, locking the entire gear system and preventing unintended movement during transport.
For calibrating the barometer (including adjustments for changes in altitude), a different key with an internal square section is required. When inserted into the same central port on the rear panel, this key directly engages with the square base of the arbour, allowing the arbour to be rotated independently while the gear system remains braked.
The large dial is the embodiment of simplicity and clarity. Made from cardboard, it is minimalist yet carefully detailed: the scale in centimeters of mercury is paired with weather indications in Dutch, creating a clear link between mechanics and local cultural tradition. The dial is protected by a domed glass, which, like a lens, gently refracts light, adding a mystical depth to the piece.
The movement, signed by Bourdon and Richard, is further engraved with the name of the manufacturer, "HÜE." This mark of the master serves as a guarantee of quality and precision, while also testifying to the fusion of science and art in a single motion. T. Hüe & Cie was a successor to O. Hempel & T. Hüe, the company made precision instruments, in particular, baromèters, manometers, and altimeters. A patent was obtained for a metallic barometer with folded base. In 1897 he absorbed the business of Boileau en 1897. He was succeeded by his son Ed. Hüé.
At the center of the open dial, a massive yet delicate brass gear quietly resides, linking the blued steel needle to the mechanism, as if it were the heart, setting the rhythm of the entire composition. The rotation of this needle, slow and steady, becomes a symbol of time and its inevitable passage.
The trend indicator needle, made of brass, offers yet another example of fine craftsmanship. It can be moved with the help of a small brass knob in the center of the stem, allowing the owner of the barometer to engage with this work of art, to feel it in their hands.
But the splendor does not end there. Attached to the case is an elegant mercury thermometer, whose brass base reflects the light, creating soft glints. Its scales — Fahrenheit and centigrade — are clearly marked, while the flat glass that protects them serves as a membrane between the inner world of the instrument and the viewer outside.
This barometer is not merely a measuring device but a testament to the evolution of scientific thought, transformed into a work of high art. Every detail, from the black ebony veneer to the finely crafted brass needles, speaks of the craftsman's pursuit of perfection, of creating an object that defies time, preserving its symbolic value through the ages.