Barometers Realm

Léon-Charles Maxant (1856–1936) was a French watchmaker and instrument manufacturer. He was born in 1856 and began producing timepieces in 1879. Maxant expanded the activities of his company to include the production of precision instruments when, in 1887, he acquired Maison Desbordes — a firm that had been located at 20, Rue Saint Pierre Popincourt until 1865, before moving to 26, Rue des Fossés du Temple. J. Desbordes founded the company in 1824; it specialized in manufacturing physical and technical instruments, with a particular focus on manometers. This focus had been prompted by legislation passed a year earlier requiring manometers to be installed on all high-pressure steam engines. In addition, the company also produced metallic barometers, thermometers, dynamometers, and pyrometers. In 1877, the production was relocated to 64, Rue de Saintonge.

In 1890, the company merged with the firm Guibert — A. Casse & Cie, which was later also acquired by Léon Maxant. From that point on, the enterprise operated under the name Instruments de Précision, Léon Maxant Sr. and was located at 64, Rue de Saintonge in Paris. By 1902, it had also opened a branch at 38, Rue Belgrand.

Léon Maxant’s company produced barometers, barographs, manometers, as well as pyrometers, thermometers, thermographs, speedometers, laboratory instruments, and other devices.

In 1902, Maxant acquired the company Alfred Casse, which specialized in aneroid barometers. In 1905, he purchased the company Antoine Redier from its then-owners.

In the 1920s, the company operated under the name: Instruments de Précision et de Contrôle, Léon Maxant Successeur – 38 + 40, Rue Belgrand – Paris.

Léon Maxant passed away in 1936, leaving the business to his three sons. His grandson, Bernard Maxant, served as general director of the company until 1986 and passed away in 2009.

However, Maxant Industries still exists today and, since 1999, has been part of Jules Richard Instruments (JRI), based in the commune of Fesches-le-Châtel, near Audincourt and Beaucourt.