pedometer in gold watch case
Datecirca 1794
Inventory NumberDW0341
ClassificationPedometer
Subject
Maker
Jean-Louis-Jacques Baradelle
1752 - 1794
Maker
Nicolas-Eloi Baradelle
1749 - 1814
Place of Origin
Dimensionspedometer: 1.2 × 3.7 × 6.5 cm (1/2 × 1 7/16 × 2 9/16 in.)
box: 2.2 × 6 × 8.9 cm (7/8 × 2 3/8 × 3 1/2 in.)
box: 2.2 × 6 × 8.9 cm (7/8 × 2 3/8 × 3 1/2 in.)
Material
DescriptionPedometer in gold pocket watch case.
The pedometer has a white face printed with three scales. The largest scale has values ranging from 0 to 100 (steps), graduated into ones. The center scale carries values from 0 to 1000 (steps). The innermost scale has values ascending from 0 to 25 miles.
One gold needle points to each scale. The longest and center needles are the most ornate, and have arrow-shaped points and floral detailing. The shortest needle is plain and pointed.
The pedometer function is reset by pushing a small pin to the right of the front face.
The pocket watch case is asymmetrical. Projecting from the top is a stem with an oval-shaped loop at the far end. Projecting from the bottom is a rectangular metal tab with a slit along its center, likely part of the counting mechanism. There is a small knurled knob projecting from the back of the case near its left edge, probably used to open the case.
The pedometer is stored in a red leather box with an off-white, plush velvet lining. The box has a brass hook closure with a black stone accent at the hook's hinge.
The pedometer has a white face printed with three scales. The largest scale has values ranging from 0 to 100 (steps), graduated into ones. The center scale carries values from 0 to 1000 (steps). The innermost scale has values ascending from 0 to 25 miles.
One gold needle points to each scale. The longest and center needles are the most ornate, and have arrow-shaped points and floral detailing. The shortest needle is plain and pointed.
The pedometer function is reset by pushing a small pin to the right of the front face.
The pocket watch case is asymmetrical. Projecting from the top is a stem with an oval-shaped loop at the far end. Projecting from the bottom is a rectangular metal tab with a slit along its center, likely part of the counting mechanism. There is a small knurled knob projecting from the back of the case near its left edge, probably used to open the case.
The pedometer is stored in a red leather box with an off-white, plush velvet lining. The box has a brass hook closure with a black stone accent at the hook's hinge.
Signedpainted or engraved in script on face, top center: Baradelle S. or
Inscribedpainted or engraved on face, bottom center: A PARIS
FunctionUsed to measure distance, in either steps or miles, and to determine one's direction of travel. The tab at the bottom, jostled with each step, moves the gears and thus the needles forward.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Alain Brieux, Paris, March 8, 1968 (lot 30/7). Donated to CHSI 1985.
William Fraser
Date: circa 1785
Accessories: in a small yellow (chamois?) pouch, perhaps not original
Object number: DW0619
Spencer, Browning & Rust
Date: circa 1800
Accessories: mahogany case with brass hooks and hinges; lens cap
Object number: 5137
C. F. Casella & Co. Ltd.
Date: circa 1920
Accessories: leather carrying case; long leather strap with brass loop at end
Object number: 5100
Troughton & Simms
Date: circa 1840
Accessories: mahogany box with brass handle; sun shade for telescope
Object number: 5234
Peter & John Dollond
Date: 1780-1800
Accessories: mahogany box with brass hooks, hinges, and handle; tripod (see 5240b)
Object number: 5240a
C. L. Berger & Sons
Date: circa 1902
Accessories: pine case with lock (key not found); screwdriver; leather strap; sunshade; dust cover; tripod (see 5161b)
Object number: 5161a
Jacques le Maire
Date: 1738
Accessories: case; plumb bob
Object number: 7416
Troughton & Simms
Date: circa 1830
Accessories: mahogany case with brass hooks and hinges, and felt protectors; additional eyepiece; magnifier; adjustable mirror; tripod mount; foot plate (5208b); tripod (5208b)
Object number: 5208a
R. Iseli
Date: circa 1880
Accessories: walnut case with two adjustment tools, objective lens cap, and lens shade; Iseli trade card (inside box lid)
Object number: 5229
John Frederick Newman
Date: circa 1835
Accessories: mahogany case with brass hinges and hooks
Object number: 5239
James E. Moody
Date: circa 1880
Accessories: mahogany case; sunshade; dust cap; tripod (5141b)
Object number: 5141a