*German, WW2, Kriegsmarine U-Boat Bulkhead Barometer by Lufft*
An original Second World War German Kriegsmarine bulkhead-mounted aneroid barometer manufactured by G. Lufft Metallbarometerfabrik of Stuttgart, retaining its original cream dual-scale dial calibrated in millibars (mb) and atmospheric pressure units. The dial is prominently marked with the Kriegsmarine Reichsadler acceptance eagle over “M” together with the serial or inventory marking “14428 N”.
The instrument is housed within its original black-painted metal bulkhead mounting case with flanged fixing rim for installation aboard naval vessels. The face bears the distinctive Lufft manufacturer emblem beneath the central axis, identifying production by one of Germany’s foremost makers of precision meteorological instruments.
The serial suffix “N” follows a coding pattern encountered on other authenticated Kriegsmarine technical instruments. Within collector and reference circles, this suffix is generally interpreted as denoting Nordsee (North Sea Naval Station) allocation, with inventory likely managed through major naval hubs such as Wilhelmshaven, contrasting with “O” marked examples associated with Ostsee (Baltic) commands. While definitive archival documentation specific to Lufft instrument coding remains elusive, the interpretation is widely accepted amongst Kriegsmarine instrument collectors and aligns with known German naval administrative practices.
While collectors frequently associate Kriegsmarine technical gear with Germany’s submarine force, this standard atmospheric pressure barometer was a versatile instrument utilized broadly across surface vessels, coastal shore stations and U-boats alike. Rather than serving as an internal submarine hull pressure gauge, this example functioned primarily as a weather assessment and navigational aid essential for monitoring atmospheric conditions during naval operations. The “N” suffix places the instrument within the North Sea operational theatre associated with Atlantic fleet activity centred around ports such as Wilhelmshaven.
Approx. Measurements: 13 cm top diameter. 15.5 cm base diameter. 6 cm deep
History Note:
G. Lufft was founded in Stuttgart by Gotthilf Lufft in 1881 and became internationally respected for the production of high-quality meteorological and scientific instruments. During both World Wars the company supplied technical instruments to the German military, including barometers, altimeters and naval atmospheric gauges for the Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe. In an appropriate linguistic coincidence, the founder’s surname “Lufft” closely mirrors “Luft”, the German word for air, a fitting association for a company that became renowned for measuring atmospheric air pressure.
This example likely dates to the wartime period, circa late 1930s to mid-1940s, based on the dial typography, millibar calibration format and Kriegsmarine acceptance marking. Comparable Lufft naval barometers survive in both private collections and specialist militaria sales, particularly those associated with Kriegsmarine shipboard and submarine equipment.
*Condition*
Overall good untouched wartime condition. The cream dial remains clear and legible with both original indicator hands present. The protective glass face is intact with light surface wear and age-related marks visible under inspection. The black-painted metal housing retains much of its original finish with scattered paint loss, scratches, edge wear and handling marks throughout. The brass central bezel ring displays a naturally aged patina consistent with service age. Minor surface toning visible to the dial face. Mounting flange remains intact with original fixing holes present. The instrument has not been tested for accuracy or calibration. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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