Barometers Realm

Stäcker & Olms (SundO) is a company founded in 1882 in Hamburg, Germany, specializing in the production of barometers, thermometers, and other measuring instruments. For over a century, the company made significant contributions to the manufacture of high-precision tools, serving the maritime industry, scientific communities, and domestic consumers.

Hamburg, a major 19th-century port city, was an ideal location for a barometer factory due to the high demand for such instruments in marine navigation and trade. The late 19th century was a time of industrial growth in Germany, which likely contributed to the company’s early success.

In the early 20th century, the company likely expanded its range to include barometers, thermometers, and hygrometers, targeting both scientific and domestic markets. Available catalogs—such as the 1930 barometer catalog and the 1936 edition—indicate active operations during this period. The company’s products were known for their high quality and precision, which helped establish its strong market reputation.

Beyond the production of household meteorological instruments, one of STÄCKER & OLMS’s key commercial sectors was the maritime industry. Barometers played a crucial role in navigation, allowing sailors to predict weather changes—an especially vital function for Hamburg as a major port. Given Hamburg’s international trade connections, STÄCKER & OLMS products were exported beyond Germany, notably to the Netherlands and Belgium.

During World War I (1914–1918), shortages of materials and economic hardships may have hindered production. In World War II (1939–1945), Hamburg suffered heavy bombing, which likely disrupted the company’s operations. However, in the postwar years, the company adapted to new economic conditions and maintained its reputation through product quality. Business directories such as Marktplatz-Mittelstand confirm that the company was registered as Stäcker & Olms KG, with addresses in Hamburg including Margaretenstraße 43 and Warnstedtstraße 8.

By the 1990s, according to Firmenwissen, the company appears to have ceased active operations. The last updates in the trade register are dated April 1, 1998, and sources indicate that no ongoing business activity was recorded at the listed addresses.