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Object Overview
This Linden stick barometer, crafted around 1870 by the renowned Dutch maker Merkelbach & Co., embodies the intersection of artisanal mastery and technological advancement in the Netherlands. Established in Amsterdam in 1870, Merkelbach & Co. initially built its reputation as a producer and trader of solid and soft soaps. However, with the rise of the next generation, spearheaded by J.W. Merkelbach Jr., the company shifted focus to embrace modern technical innovations. Its expanded catalog, featuring magic lanterns, optical instruments, cameras, and toy trains, cemented its status as a pioneer in the Dutch trade of technical devices.
The body of this stick barometer is carved from solid linden wood, a material chosen for its lightness and fine grain. Notably, the case omits the traditional pediment; instead, the upper section gracefully rounds off, creating a streamlined silhouette that exudes understated elegance. A turned, removable linden-wood lid discreetly protects the mercury reservoir, seamlessly blending functionality with design cohesion.
The barometer’s siphon tube, made of glass, reveals its cistern-bulb construction —a hallmark of precision in mercury barometers. The register plate, crafted from paper and safeguarded by flat glass, adds an element of fragility and charm. Its dual barometric scales offer a glimpse into a period of scientific transition: one scale is measured in Parisian inches of mercury, while the other adopts the metric system with centimeters of mercury. This juxtaposition of units reflects an era when scientific standards were evolving and local traditions met global trends.
n/a
sifon
glass, mercury, paper, wood
To the right of the scales, a slender metal rod provides a guide for the sliding trend indicator — a subtle yet critical feature that allows the observer to track atmospheric changes with precision. The paper certificate of provenance, issued in 1979 by Bert Bolle, is an invaluable addition, testifying to the barometer’s authenticity and historical significance. Housed in a delicate mahogany frame, the certificate itself is a work of art, a tangible link to the collector’s narrative that enriches the barometer’s story.
This barometer transcends its utilitarian purpose, offering a window into the ingenuity of Merkelbach & Co. and the spirit of 19th-century innovation. The simplicity of its linden-wood case and the sophistication of its internal mechanics form a harmonious dialogue, making this instrument a poignant symbol of progress and elegance.