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Object Overview
The Marine barometer from 1880 is an elegant instrument designed to meet the accuracy and reliability requirements crucial in marine conditions. Its slender case is made of dark, rich rosewood, giving the barometer visual sophistication and, at the same time, the strength necessary for long sea voyages. The case is finished with a impressive brass tubular base, which not only aesthetically complements the design but also protects the boxwood cistern that holds the mercury — the heart of this barometer. The cistern is made of the evergreen boxwood with a bottom made of soft leather, and it is attached to the barometer case with a wide threaded joint.
Behind the flat glass, creating a sense of clarity and simplicity, are angled celluloid register plates. It’s a rather elegant solution, not used very often, yet extremely practical due to its resistance to humidity — especially in the case of a marine barometer. These plates contain standard weather indicators and a scale engraved in London inches of mercury. The refinement of this barometer is underscored by the presence of a vernier, which allows the current atmospheric pressure to be recorded with an accuracy of hundredths of an inch. The vernier is operated by a rack mechanism, controlled by a round ivory knob. This feature adds tactile elegance to the process of observing the weather, turning each interaction with the instrument into a kind of ritual.
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cistern
brass, celluloid, glass, wood
On the trunk of the barometer, there is also an elongated mercury thermometer, mounted on a bone base and protected by flat glass. This thermometer is equipped with a dual scale: Fahrenheit and centigrade. However, the key technical feature of this barometer is its brass gimbal suspension. This mechanism, attached to the instrument's case, allows the barometer to move freely in all directions, ensuring it remains perfectly vertical even when the ship is subjected to heavy rolling. This engineering marvel turns the instrument into a reliable companion for sailors, providing accurate readings regardless of weather conditions.