18th Century English Banjo Barometer, circa 1780

A Louis XVI Period Barometer & Thermometer Combination, originating in France & dating from the last quarter of the 18th century. The workings enclosed by a gilt-wood case with carve...

Pair of 18th Century English Side Chairs

English mahogany banjo barometer with centered brass finial in scrolled pediment, glass encased thermometer, ebonized reeded mirror, original ...

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...