Le Louvre French Antiques Scientific Instruments

Known as an “equal arm scale”, this large wrought iron scale has the traditional “T-form” associated with weighing devices of this nature. Stabilized by a tripartite stand with curve...

A unique piece of scientific equipment, this antique cast iron scale would have been used in a Spanish pharmacy during the 1800s. The main cast...

Napoleon III style, sometimes referred to as The Second Empire style, was greatly influenced by the Neoclassical aspects of the Louis XVI period. This giltwood barometer from Paris w...

This lovely giltwood barometer and thermometer was hand-carved during the Louis XVI period in Paris, France. During the late 1700’s, barometers were typically only owned by wealthy families. Over time, barometers began to be viewed as works of art and could be found in middle class homes throughout Europe. The highly detailed crown of our apparatus depicts a footed vase bursting with a floral display. The garland trails down in an arch shape until it reaches an angular platform adorned with molding and vertical fluting. The flowered swag continues behind the platform, transitioning into a pair of gadrooned leaves. Each gadrooned leaf terminates in a husked cornucopia overflowing with laurel leaves. A large circular barometer dial is positioned in between the cornucopias. Under the barometer is a looping lambrequin that borders the top half of the thermometer. A pair of gadrooned leaves runs behind and through the lambrequin, flanking the lower half of the thermometer. A fluted base beneath the thermometer sits in a gadrooned cup. The detail of the carvings on this late 18th century Parisian...