Scarce 5” open dial aneroid barometer with thermometer by Lion & Guichard, France c1875

Aneroid barometer having 5” printed, coated card open dial, the upper part annotated with standard meteorological terms, semi circular barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 28” – 31” and divided to 1/50th” with stations on the inch, further marked “Aneroid Barometer.”

The lower part with semi circular thermometer marked “Fahrenheit’s Thermometer” with a range from 0° to 140°, the scale split both sides. The inner dial with brass trim ring finisher.

Substantial 1st quality display movement driven from a 2.8” single nickel alloy capsule and tensioned on a plated and polished C spring, blued screws, and blued nuts to bridge fittings. Blued steel pointer, gilt index, gilded reflector ring, bevelled glass.

All contained within a classic English pattern scalloped lacquered brass case, extension post and suspension ring. Calibration port.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions. The movement working well showing a maximum error across the scale of less than 0.03”, highly sensitive with good progression.

Generally very crisp, the dial clean. The thermometer intact and working. The case clean and essentially damage free with good colour.

Comments: These Lion & Guichard barometers were the best in their class for this time, yet are rarely noted, perhaps because many, as this instrument, were not signed by the maker and thus are not easily identifiable. It is testament to the skill in manufacture and design that it is still able to maintain such a comparatively high performance specification.

This example is one of the best open dial barometers of this period we have seen. High aesthetic value with practical function and a fine commentary on the best in barometer making in the immediate post-Vidie/Breguet years. Very much a collector’s piece or a wonderful gift.

Lion et Guichard: Following the transfer of Lucien Vidie’s manufacturing facilities, machinery and patents to Louis-Clement Breguet in January 1863, Breguet continued to produce aneroid barometers until 1870 when the barometer business was sold to Lion and Guichard. The firm traded from the same 8 rue de Rocroi, Paris address as Vidie’s workshop, and announced themselves as the successor to Vidie, continuing his work.