A brass and gilt, linen finished desk compendium. This stunning and exceptional quality piece features a clock, barometer, thermometer, and Hygrometer on each of the four sides, and is set with a compass on the top. Each of the four windows is set with a polished gold plated brass smooth bezel which contrasts well against the linen case and dial. The sloped base which the cube sits on a ball joint allowing for it to be easily turned.
These “Weather Stations” as they were commonly known, were the height of luxury for any wealthy home to have on a desk, or in the library. This particular model was made to be retailed by the American luxury retailer; Abercrombie & Fitch. The compendium itself was Swiss made, and would have been contracted out by Abercombie to a specialist making pieces like this. It was during this time that A & F was partnering with a select few luxury Swiss watch makers such as Heuer mainly but also Rolex and Movado. The piece is not signed by the maker, but it would likely have all been made by Imhoff. They specialised in making instruments like this at the time for a host of luxury retail outlets. Such is the quality, and finishing.
The clock itself is a mechanical eight day fifteen jewel caliber 244 movement made by Imhoff. A beautiful gold plated linen dial with classic stick hour markers, with the quarter hours painted black, along with the hands, signed “Abercrombie & Fitch”, and “Swiss” just below the six also in a bold black print. The time is set and wound by pulling out the clock from the edges. This is how the other pieces are accessed, in the back via removing the clock element.
Desk compendiums were very popular with wealthy and important figures throughout the twentieth century, were made by, and sold through a number of luxury retailers. Examples have been found with different brand names on the dials such as; ‘Kirby Beard Paris’ (an old English retailer who established a luxury boutique in Paris in 1878), ‘Hermès’, Asprey and Cartier amongst the notable ones. This Abercrombie piece is very rare, especially in its presented condition.
The piece is excellent throughout. The linen finish, akin to what was found on Rolex dials at the time, makes the compendium have depth, and is very unlike anything else made in this style. They tended to be a lot more ‘traditional’. It makes it feel a lot more modern, considering the moment in time it was made. Made in Switzerland, circa 1970’s.
