19th Century Decorative French Parade Shield

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...

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...

Decorative Carved Panel France, 19th Century 15,5 x L 30,5 x 3 cm Carved in richly grained wood, this 19th-century decorative panel draws direct inspiration from Renaissance ornamen...

Architectural models as these were made by apprentices or master craftsman to apply for a title by their respective guild. In France these craftsmen were known as the 'Compagnons du ...