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Object Overview
This refined marine barograph from the last quarter of the 20th century, housed in a lacquered oak case that combines engineering precision with the restrained elegance of a navigational instrument, was manufactured by Feingerätebau K. Fischer. Its oak housing is crafted with impeccable joinery: the corners are connected using a precise box joint, where rectangular fingers provide secure locking without the need for metal fasteners.
The case is equipped with a fully hinged lid, which facilitates access to the mechanism and the replacement of the chart paper. A distinctive feature of the construction is the dual-glass enclosure — glazed both at the front and the back. On the left side of the case, there is a metal flag-style latch set into a small mounting plate. This lock securely fastens the lid during transport or when the instrument is used under conditions of ship motion. Additionally, the lid is fitted with a small carrying handle on top.
The main support plate, which holds the drum and the barograph movement, is made of a dense, silver-colored metal — likely cast aluminum or zinc alloy — finished with a dual-surface treatment: smooth underneath and textured on top. The upper surface features a matte, granulated industrial coating, possibly a powder finish or structural enamel, typical for precision scientific instruments from the late 20th century.
94322418
aluminium, beryllium, enamel, glass, wood
The measuring element in Fischer barographs consists of a stack of seven aneroid capsules, manufactured from a copper-beryllium alloy that virtually eliminates age-hardening, hysteresis, and elastic aftereffects — all of which could otherwise compromise the long-term accuracy of pressure readings.
This marine aneroid barograph is designed for continuous recording of atmospheric pressure under conditions of motion and vibration, as encountered aboard ships. For this reason, it is equipped with:
On the drum of this barograph appears the inscription “Bäuerle” along with the deer logo, indicating the legacy of Tobias Bäuerle & Söhne.
Tobias Bäuerle & Söhne was a German clockmaking company based in St. Georgen (Black Forest), known for its production of clock mechanisms and its logo featuring a stag. The company traced its roots back to the mid-19th century and operated until the early 21st century, evolving from a small family-run workshop into a modern precision engineering firm.
The origins of the company date back to 1863, when clockmaker Mathias Bäuerle established a small workshop in St. Georgen, Germany. The business was officially founded by his son, Tobias Bäuerle, in 1864. Initially, the company specialized in traditional clock mechanisms for wall and mantel clocks, following the long-standing Black Forest clockmaking traditions.
By the end of the 19th century, the firm had gained recognition in the industry. In 1891, Tobias Bäuerle received his first patent for an original pendulum design, marking the company’s early innovations. In 1897, the firm registered the trademark “Hirsch” (German for “stag”), which became its brand logo. Under this name, Bäuerle mechanisms became widely recognized on the market.
On August 20, 1903, the company’s founder brought his sons, Christian and Tobias Jr., into the business as co-owners. From then on, the company was officially named Tobias Bäuerle & Söhne (“Tobias Bäuerle & Sons”). In the early 20th century, the firm continued to grow under family management. Christian Bäuerle, one of the founder’s sons and co-owner of the factory, even initiated the construction of a prominent family villa in St. Georgen.
During this period, the company manufactured precision pendulum and spring-driven clock mechanisms, supplying both private consumers and industrial clients. It is likely that Bäuerle products were presented at trade shows and fairs of the time, reinforcing its commercial reputation. Throughout World War I and subsequent economic upheavals, Tobias Bäuerle & Söhne managed to maintain operations under the continued leadership of the Bäuerle family.
After World War II, the company adapted to new conditions and broadened its product range to include precision mechanical and electronic devices. While continuing the production of traditional clock mechanisms, the factory also developed new equipment. A key milestone came in 1952 with the creation of the “Multipli” — the company’s first automatic paper folding machine. This marked a shift toward diversification: in addition to clocks, Tobias Bäuerle & Söhne began producing office equipment and precision measuring instruments.
In the following decades, the company also specialized in technical master clock systems. For example, Bäuerle mechanisms were used as movement units in Siemens master clocks, a testament to the high quality and accuracy of its products. By the late 20th century, the company produced both traditional mechanical devices (clocks and timers) and electromechanical instruments for industrial applications.
However, in the second half of the 20th century, the clock market changed dramatically due to the advent of quartz technology and increasing competition, posing challenges for traditional manufacturers. Nevertheless, Tobias Bäuerle & Söhne continued to operate until the 1990s. In 1998, after the lease on its historic factory site expired, the company moved its operations from St. Georgen to Villingen-Schwenningen (Baden-Württemberg).
Products:
Clock mechanisms. From its founding, the company’s primary output was mechanical clock movements for wall, table, and mantel clocks. Bäuerle’s pendulum regulators, spring-wound mechanisms, and other components were widely used in the clockmaking industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Technical (master) clocks. With the rise of electrical systems, the company developed precision movements for master clocks and industrial timers. Notably, some Siemens master clock models (e.g., HU10/12 systems) were equipped with Bäuerle-designed mechanisms, providing synchronized timekeeping across institutions.
Precision mechanical and electronic instruments. In the 20th century, Tobias Bäuerle & Söhne also manufactured a broad range of devices, from time counters and relays to specialized electromechanical equipment. The company officially described its mission as the “manufacture of precision mechanical and electronic devices and technical clock mechanisms,” reflecting its diverse product line.