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Object Overview
The presented Voyager Trio with Altitude Sync, dating from the mid-20th century and crafted by the renowned instrument maker Gotthilf Lufft, is a genuine artifact from an era when travel accessories were made with an eye for both aesthetics and quality. Three high-precision instruments are combined in a single travel case. The case has a folding construction: when closed, it resembles a neat rectangular box or clutch; a metal latch secures the lid and prevents it from opening accidentally in luggage. When opened, the case unfolds flat, and the instrument section automatically elevates at an angle, transforming it into a desktop meteorological center — the perfect angle for reading measurements. This transformation is reminiscent of opening an antique photo frame or a jewelry case.
The outer casing is made of saffiano leather — a fine, durable goat leather with a grainy texture created through embossing. The surface has a slight sheen, but it’s not glossy — it shimmers subtly with a noble finish. The material is not only pleasant to the touch but also wear-resistant, which is especially important for an object intended to withstand frequent travel. The inside lid is lined with pure white, slightly pearlescent viscose silk.
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aneroid capsule tensioned on a C-spring
aluminium, brass, glass, leather, silvered brass
Barometer. The barometer in this travel set is a classic aneroid, housed in a square brass frame and protected by a plastic crystal, into which a pressure trend indicator is embedded — a rotating pointer that allows the user to compare current and previous readings. This pointer is adjusted via a knurled knob in the center of the glass.
The dial is made of silvered brass, finished with an elegant matte surface. Around its perimeter runs a dual scale: millibars (mbar) along the outer ring, from 940 to 1080, and millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) on the inner ring, ranging from 700 to 800. The weather indication labels are in German:
The typeface is classic and slender, emphasizing the strict functionalism of the design.
At the bottom of the dial, a window reads “ORTS-HÖHE / METER”, or “local altitude above sea level (in meters)”. This is an altitude corrector, used to fine-tune the barometer to the local elevation, since pressure varies with altitude. The unique design lies in the fact that the correction is done by turning a knurled ring on the back of the barometer; the entire barometer mechanism rotates inside the housing — not just the needle. A white-painted aluminum disk, located behind the main dial and printed with an altitude scale, turns along with the ring. Thus, the correct altitude appears in the window on the front dial. This ensures that the barometer is aligned with true atmospheric pressure, accounting for elevation.
On the back panel, next to the adjustment ring, there is a small calibration port — a screwdriver can be inserted for fine tuning the mechanism. This is useful if the barometer deviates from standard readings.
Clock. The clock included in the travel set is crafted in an elegant square shape that combines simplicity and functionality. Its design is clearly travel-oriented — reliable, compact, and easy to read. The dial is protected by a plastic crystal set in a flat-polished brass bezel. The surface of the dial is matte, with a subdued metallic shimmer — likely aluminum or nickel-plated brass. Roman numerals, applied in gold color, are cleanly and precisely printed along the perimeter. Each hour mark is accompanied by a small glowing dot beneath the numeral — a fluorescent marker allowing the time to be read in the dark.
All three hands are made of brass and share a coaxial layout: the hour and minute hands are in the classical style and also coated with luminescent paint, while the third hand is for the alarm. It has a simpler shape and is set independently.
Thermometer. A miniature mercury thermometer is positioned between the clock and the barometer. Its glass tube, with a bulb-shaped reservoir, is mounted on a silvered brass plate engraved with two temperature scales: Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Every detail suggests that this is not just a functional travel tool, but a status item — subtly indicating the owner’s taste and affluence. A unique example of mid-20th-century industrial design.