2052

Circa 1873

19TH CENTURY FRENCH SYMPIESOMETER

Essentially a compact alcohol barometer. Signed "Brevete S.G.D.G." on the face below the thermometer. Brass-bound paper scales marked "Thermometre Centigrade" and "Hauteurs Barometriques", and entitled "Barometre Absolu H.H. -- Preseute a la Academie des Sciences Juil'Pet 1873 --F.F.". Housed in a solid hardwood case with a decoratively carved bamboo motif frame. Large legible paper label on the sliding back panel is titled "Mode D'emploi" and describes the use of the instrument's barometer and thermometer functions. Inscribed at the bottom with the name and the address of the printer "Paris-Imprimerie Silvain Dennery, 40 rue des Blancs-Monteaux". Reverse further marked with instructions on another label "Réglage du Baromètre (Regulating the Barometer)". By sliding down this back panel, which has ornate brass hangers, the interior mechanisms are revealed. At the top is a chart listing the altitudes of 50 various cities in France, entitled "Altitudes de quelques villea (France)". Below this is a mercury thermometer and then the snaking barometer tube. In the middle is a chart similar to the one found at the top for "Belgique" and areas of "Alsace Lorraine" and "Bruxellea". At the bottom is the sliding altitude scale adjustment "Pour regler le Barometre Altitude", which is marked in meters from 0-500.
Height 13". Width 10.25".
Condition: Some staining to the hand painted background.

The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 

  • Provenance:
    West Sea Company, Old Town San Diego, California, 2001.
    The Kelton Collection of Marine Art & Artifacts.

    Notes:
    The sympiesometer, invented by Scotsman Alexander Adie in 1818, is fitted with a large bulb mercury thermometer with built-in mechanical adjusting features to compensate for the observer's altitude and temperature in order to ascertain an accurate barometric reading. The reading so obtained is in centimeters of mercury with the additional read-out (by means of a clever plumb-bob) indicating weather trends such as "Tres Sec, Variable, Tempete (Very Dry, Variable, Stormy)". Sympiesometers are often combined with other marine instruments. This instrument is in working condition and is extremely rare, especially considering its French origin and manufacture.

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July 26, 2022 9:30 AM EDT
East Dennis, MA, US

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