Keywords: Meteorology, Julien P. Friez, Göttingen, Weather Instrument, Antique Science, Thermometer, Victorian Scientific Instrument, Industrial Revolution Design, Late 19th Century Technology, Historicist Craftsmanship, Belle Époque Engineering, Academic Era Scientific Tools, Heinrich Lambrecht Style, Negretti & Zambra Style, Rudolf Fuess Style, Brass And Glass, Dual Scale Dial, Meteorological Instrument, Scientific Measurement Device

Summary:
Hygrometer/thermometer with a white enamel dial, marked "Lambrecht's Polymeter - Centigrade

Lambrecht’s Polymeter :this is a multi-purpose meteorological instrument consisting of a mercury thermometer for temperature (mercury removed) and a hair hygrometer for humidity. The inscriptions on the face of this example read "LAMBRECHT'S POLYMETER" and "JULIEN P. FRIEZ / Meteorological Instruments and Apparatus BALTIMORE (Md.) U.S.A."

Wilhelm Lambrecht (1834-1904), a mechanical, optical and meteorological instrument maker in Göttingen, designed this type of hair hygrometer around 1880. The firm remains in business, advertising as "The Weather Specialists Since 1859."

Ref: “The Polymeter” in Julien P. Friez, Catalogue of Meteorological Instruments and Apparatus (Baltimore, 1893), pp. 35-37.

National Museum of American History
Id Number:PH.314562Accession Number:204612Catalog Number:314562

Measurement: 9 1/2 x 3 1/8 in. (24.1 x 7.9 cm.)

This is a NO RESERVE AUCTION: there are no hidden or confidential reserves, all acceptable bidding commences at the online START PRICE.

Bidders are encouraged to carefully review all photographs and, when possible, examine items in person prior to bidding. Photographs form an integral part of each lot’s description. The absence of a condition report, notation, or reference to damage does not imply that an item is free from defects, restoration, wear, or other condition issues. All items are sold as is, where is, and may show signs of age, use, wear, repair, or prior restoration. By placing a bid, bidders acknowledge and agree to the Terms and Conditions of Sale.

All descriptions, catalog statements, condition reports, reflect an opinion based on the information provided to us at the time of cataloging. Any certificates of authenticity, if provided by consignor, will be noted in the catalog. Clocks and watches are not warranted or represented to keep accurate time. We strongly recommend that all vintage lighting be examined or rewired prior to use.

Auction Galleries reselling works do not issue Certificates of Authenticity. COA's should best be sought from the original artist or their foundations, which often refrain from giving written authentication opinions. Accordingly, works are sold as ATTRIBUTED to the artist or maker named in the description. These attributions reflect an OPINION and are intended to provide collectors, researchers, and institutions the opportunity to study and further contextualize the material offered or establish a work’s art-historical significance.