Barometers Realm

Rare Early Vidie Aneroid Barometer, circa 1860, serial number 6039 — an early and historically significant example of Lucien Vidie’s invention, presented by the renowned Parisian makers of scientific and optical instruments Lerebours et Secretan, whose name is engraved on the dial and who, in this case, most likely acted as the retailer of this revolutionary instrument that soon conquered the world of barometric measurement.

The barometer is housed in a compact barrel-shaped case made of tombac alloy, giving it a rich, warm golden tone. Vidie deliberately chose this familiar, watch-like form for the world’s first aneroid barometer so that the method of reading would be intuitive to the user, based on the dial format with concentrically arranged numerals.

The front of the case is fitted with a thin bezel featuring a refined ornamental pattern, retaining the original flat mineral glass with a delicate bevel, polished to exceptional clarity. At the center of the glass is a brass trend indicator with a finely knurled adjustment knob, allowing the user to fix a previous pressure reading. The instrument is also equipped with a substantial suspension ring, enabling it to be conveniently mounted on a wall.

The dial is made of silvered brass and engraved with a concentric barometric scale in centimetres of mercury, ranging from 54 to 80 cm. The scale is complemented by French weather indications, executed in a characteristic combination of serif and sans-serif lettering, using both uppercase and lowercase forms — a typical feature of early aneroids.

The indicating hand, moving across the dial and featuring a crescent-shaped counterweight, is made of steel and thermally blued, giving it a deep, rich blue colour while also protecting the metal from corrosion — an elegant yet functional detail.

At the heart of the instrument lies the mechanism invented and patented by Lucien Vidie. Its central element is a substantial copper aneroid capsule, from which the air has been almost entirely evacuated. As a result, the upper and lower membranes collapse inward; to restore their form and create a hollow metallic chamber serving as the sensitive measuring element, the capsule is rigidly mounted onto a steel base, soldered by its lower membrane. The upper membrane is tensioned by a robust cast-iron lever fitted with an external coil spring.

The minute movements of the upper membrane, caused by changes in atmospheric pressure, are transmitted and amplified through a system of levers, then via a fusee chain to the pointer arbor, which is held between two brass plates. The upper plate forms a characteristic slightly bevelled rectangular shape — a distinctive hallmark of early Vidie mechanisms.

On the reverse of the case, a calibration screw positioned at six o’clock allows for precise adjustment of the instrument.

This barometer represents a compelling example of the early stage in the development of aneroid technology — a period when engineering innovation, mechanical ingenuity, and refined design converged in a single instrument. It reflects not only the brilliance of Vidie’s invention, but also its rapid dissemination through leading London and Paris makers, marking an important milestone in the history of portable atmospheric measurement.

This Rare Early Vidie Aneroid Barometer was acquired from the wonderful French collector and antique dealer Bruno Marc Rajnak — owner of the Nememka store on eBay. I sincerely thank him for the opportunity to add this beautiful instrument to my collection and for his always pleasant and prompt communication.