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Object Overview
The presented earliest pocket barometer was made by the renowned craftsman Moritz Pillischer. Its case is crafted from tombac alloy, a type of brass with a high copper content, giving it a bright golden-reddish hue. The outer knurled ring, or bezel, fitted with faceted glass, rotates to move a delicate trend indicator rod. Unlike later traveler barometers of the same form factor, this piece does not feature an altitude scale.
The aneroid barometer features a 4.5 cm silvered copper dial. It includes calibrations in London inches of mercury with a range from 26 to 31 inches, divided down to 1/20th. The inset center is marked with standard meteorological terms “RAIN“ and “FAIR“, written in uppercase letters with a shadow effect. Additionally, “Stormy”, “Change”, and “SetFair”, which means settled fair, are masterfully engraved in Gothic style. Over time, the silver plating has worn off in some areas, revealing the copper base of the dial. The lower part of the dial is signed “M. Pillischer,” with the inscription engraved in uppercase letters with a shadow effect, creating a three-dimensional appearance. The dial is attached to the case by three tiny screws. The indicator hand is made of blued steel and features a delicate crescent moon as its counterweight.
2269
early Vidie
brass, glass, nickel silver, silvered brass, steel
The internal mechanism of this barometer is even more intricately detailed than the visible parts. At the heart of the mechanism lies a sensitive aneroid capsule, whose wall movements are amplified and transmitted to the indicator hand via a system of levers. Unlike traditional mechanisms using a laminated spring (C-spring) directly attached to the capsule, this barometer employs an external spiral spring, a characteristic feature of early aneroid mechanisms. The tension of this spring can be adjusted through an aperture on the back of the barometer’s case to fine-tune the instrument’s readings.
This barometer is a unique piece crafted by a renowned master, executed with extraordinary attention to detail.
Moritz Pillischer was a maker of optical, mathematical, and philosophical instruments, including barometers. Moritz Pillischer was a Hungarian master of scientific instruments who emigrated to London in 1845. Around 1849, he established his own workshop, specializing in the production of microscopes and other scientific instruments.
In 1857, Moritz’s nephew, Jacob Pillischer, came from Hungary to work alongside his uncle. In 1887, Moritz handed over the management of the business to Jacob, who continued the family enterprise under the brand names Pillischer & Sons and J. Pillischer Ltd.
In 1930, Jacob passed the business to his three children: Edward, Leopold, and Bertha, who carried on under the J. Pillischer Ltd. name. The company remained family-owned until 1947, when it was dissolved.