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Object Overview
An astonishing barometer, crafted around 1900 with a dial just 36 millimeters in diameter, is a true triumph of miniaturization, where art and engineering craftsmanship merge in a single pursuit of perfection. Within its tiny gilded brass case, it holds not just a mechanism, but an entire world of precise measurements and delicate solutions aimed at creating a compact yet fully functional instrument. Outwardly, it mirrors the classic design of travelers’ barometers by Negretti & Zambra, yet its small size makes it even more aesthetically striking.
The brass case, glowing with a warm golden hue, seems to encapsulate the atmosphere itself, delivering it to its owner in miniature form. Despite its modest dimensions, this barometer doesn’t lose any of its power or significance — it’s like a precious artifact that one can carry, a keepsake of distant journeys and high summits. Every detail is crafted with millimeter precision, and the proportions are so well-balanced that the overall design feels perfect, with no element weighing down the look.
The dial, reduced to a barely noticeable 36 millimeters, maintains its legibility thanks to the engraving on silvered brass. The scale in London inches of mercury and minimalist weather indicators — “RAIN,” “CHANGE,” and “FAIR” — continue the tradition of clear and concise functionality. Even with the compressed space, the altitude scale on the rotating bezel remains sharp, delivering the same accuracy as larger models. This feat of miniaturization demonstrates how the engineers of the time strove not only to reduce the size but also to preserve all the functionality and details.
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aneroid capsule tensioned on a C-spring
brass, gilding, glass, nickel silver, silvered brass, steel
The rotating bezel with a foot scale seems to create the illusion of motion, even when the instrument is still. The beveled edges of the glass play with light, adding extra depth and visual volume to this tiny device. Everything here is designed so that the owner can not only monitor the readings but also experience aesthetic pleasure from possessing such an elegant and functional instrument.
The operation of this miniature instrument is based on a conventional movement tensioned on a C-spring. The heart of the mechanism is a two-centimeter aneroid capsule. A brass main lever extends from the spring, with a steel plate embedded in its lower part to provide temperature compensation.
The barometer is housed in its original morocco leather case with a snap lid.