Loading
Object Overview
This traveler's set by Negretti & Zambra, crafted between 1900 and 1915, is a miniature work of art and a symbol of the era of great explorers and travelers. The pocket barometer, included in the set, is also known as a mountain barometer or traveler’s barometer. With its small size — just 46 millimeters in diameter — it serves as a reminder of how, by the early 20th century, science and technology had already been transformed into elegant and compact forms, not only astonishing in their precision but also becoming part of everyday life for those who sought the unknown.
The brass case of this barometer gleams, as if embodying the light of science that the traveler carries while exploring distant lands. The elegance of its design highlights the refined taste of its owner, as this instrument was not merely a practical companion but a symbol of status, a special accessory for those deeply passionate about nature and its mysteries.
The silvered brass dial, engraved with barometric divisions in London inches of mercury, shines in the light, reminiscent of old maps — with their precision and secrets. The barometric scale, though minimalistic, with three weather indicators — “RAIN,” “CHANGE,” and “FAIR” — seems to predict fate, telling its owner a story about the whims of nature, subtly reflected in the smooth movements of the needle. These simple words speak to the fickleness of weather, and thus, of life, where rain or fair skies are not merely states of the heavens but metaphors for journeys through space and time.
n/a
aneroid capsule tensioned on a C-spring
brass, glass, jewels, leather, mother of pearl, nickel silver, silvered brass, steel
The blued steel needle, thin and delicate like a needle itself, enhances the atmosphere of precision. Its crescent-shaped tail is an elegant detail, evoking the night skies that travelers often observed during their journeys, when stars became their guides and the moon a quiet companion in the vast expanses.
The rotating brass bezel, which holds a flat, beveled glass, features an altimeter scale, calibrated in feet, as if it were a window through which one could glimpse the world from the heights of mountain peaks.
The second instrument in the set is a floating dial compass, housed in the same gleaming brass casing and identical in size to the barometer. Its interior is lined with a material resembling rubber, designed to protect the instrument from water. The compass dial is crafted from mother-of-pearl, elegantly marked with eight cardinal directions. At the center of the dial’s mounting sits a small ruby, adding a touch of sophistication to its practical design.
The compass needle (and in this case, the floating dial) must rotate as smoothly and unobstructedly as possible to accurately indicate direction. The gemstone serves as a pivot point for the tip of the needle, providing minimal contact and virtually no friction. A material like ruby is wear-resistant, maintains a smooth surface, and does not deform under pressure. Ruby bearings are widely used in precision mechanisms such as watches and compasses, where high accuracy and reliability are required.
Both the compass and the barometer are enclosed in their original wooden case, covered in leather. This protective casing not only ensures the safety of these instruments during travels but also highlights the refined craftsmanship of the era.