Loading
Origins: Félix Lion and S. Guichard & Cie
Félix Lion. Relatively little is known about Félix Lion’s biography prior to the formation of the partnership. He was presumably connected with the manufacture of scientific instruments and appears to have been a Parisian maker of measuring instruments in the third quarter of the 19th century, working at 146, Faubourg Saint-Denis, Paris.
Simon Guichard (S. Guichard & Cie). Simon Guichard (the “S.” in the firm’s name refers to his initials) had established his own measuring-instrument business before joining Lion. In 1880, his firm S. Guichard & Cie issued a price list in which Guichard described himself as the “successor of Lucien Vidié, inventor of the aneroid barometer.” This indicates that the company already took pride in presenting itself as an heir to Vidié’s tradition. According to the same price list, S. Guichard & Cie manufactured aneroid barometers (both stationary and portable, including models for mountain measurements), manometers, hydrometers, and thermometers, as well as large public barometers. To support wider adoption of instruments, the firm offered a substantial 25% discount to members of the French Alpine Club and the French Scientific Association. It is likely that Guichard’s activity began soon after the expiration of Vidié’s patent in 1859, when several French makers entered the liquid-free barometer market. (For example, the Paris firm Dubois & Casse, which established serial production of aneroid barometers in the early 1860s.) The experience Guichard accumulated by the late 1860s would later prove significant when he joined Félix Lion.
The formation of Lion et Guichard and the Vidié succession
The Lucien Vidié legacy. The company Lion et Guichard emerged around 1870, when Félix Lion and Simon Guichard jointly acquired the barometer division of the celebrated firm Breguet. That division traced its origins directly to the inventor of the aneroid barometer, Lucien Vidié (1805–1866). After patenting the aneroid barometer in 1844, Vidié held exclusive rights for many years. But after 1859—when the patent expired—other makers entered the market for liquid-free barometers. In the 1860s Vidié himself sought a successor for his business and considered the watchmaking house Breguet a suitable candidate. In January 1863, he transferred to Breguet his workshop at 8, rue de Rocroy, Paris, along with all tools and machinery, new patent rights, and permission to use the name “aneroid.” In effect, Vidié’s workshop at rue de Rocroy became the production base for continued aneroid manufacture under Breguet’s direction. Over several years (from 1863 to ~1870), Breguet produced about 10,000 barometers, but then decided to discontinue the line. In 1870, Breguet sold its barometer department to Félix Lion and S. Guichard. Thus, Lion et Guichard inherited not only Vidié’s manufacturing equipment, but also his know-how, patent-related developments, and the right to present itself as the continuation of the great inventor’s work.
The new company established itself at the same address where Vidié had once worked: 8, rue de Rocroy, Paris. In advertisements of the 1870s, Lion et Guichard openly positioned itself as the “successeurs de Lucien Vidié”. In doing so, Lion and Guichard underscored their connection to Vidié’s name and to a tradition associated with high quality. Their enterprise indeed functioned as a bridge of continuity: from Vidié, via Breguet, to a new independent firm. In its first years of operation (early 1870s), Lion et Guichard launched large-scale production of aneroid barometers. It is reported that they produced thousands of barometers during the 1870s alone, and that their products circulated not only within France but also abroad (for instance, special batches of aneroids were ordered for Russia by the firm F. Schwabe in Saint Petersburg).
It should be noted that at the same time Breguet exited competition in the barometer market: around 1870 it refocused definitively on watchmaking. In this way, a new independent company appeared on the French instrument-making scene—Lion et Guichard—immediately occupying the niche of a high-volume manufacturer of aneroids and related instruments.
Products and technical developments
The firm’s principal product was, of course, aneroid barometers—metal, liquid-free barometers. Lion and Guichard managed to significantly reduce production costs compared with earlier makers. One contemporary review noted that their rationalised methods allowed aneroids to be sold at prices even lower than mercury barometers. Prices for small pocket aneroids by Lion & Guichard began at 50 francs; and, as meteorologists Hervé-Mangon and E. Renou remarked at a meeting of the scientific association, such aneroids were “far more sensitive than 40-franc mercury barometers and do not уступают mercury instruments priced at 80 francs.” (In other words: a well-made mid-range metal barometer could outperform, in delicacy of response, a more expensive liquid barometer.) As a result, Lion and Guichard’s aneroids quickly entered practical use among engineers and travellers.
The firm produced models of every size, from miniature pocket barometers to giant public barometers up to one metre in diameter. Special altimetric barometers (altimeters) by Lion & Guichard earned recognition among surveyors and mountaineers for reliability and accuracy. In addition to barometers proper, the company also sold related goods: revolution counters, portable travelling kits for engineers, small fittings and hardware, and similar items.
Importantly, beyond the standard constructions inherited from Vidié, the firm continued to innovate. Lion and Guichard worked to improve aneroid mechanisms and collaborated with inventors. In particular, they worked closely with the engineer A. Tremeschini, a well-known innovator of the 1870s. Tremeschini developed improved instruments; in 1877, he and Félix Lion jointly filed a patent for a new barometer design. In 1878, at the World’s Fair, an “improved aneroid” of their development was exhibited, for which Guichard & Cie received an award (a silver medal).
Beyond barometers, Lion & Guichard produced a wide range of pressure instruments: Bourdon-tube manometers (for steam engines, hydraulic presses, and similar applications), vacuum gauges, and control manometers. High manufacturing quality combined with moderate pricing earned the company the highest award (a gold medal) at the Le Havre International Exhibition of 1875.
New designs: pyrometers and metal thermometers
One major direction of development involved metal thermometers and pyrometers—instruments for measuring high temperatures without liquids. In the 1870s Lion and Guichard introduced into production original constructions devised by A. Tremeschini. In particular, the firm produced a “new metal pyrometer,” described in the press around 1875–1876. This pyrometer was noted for exceptional sensitivity and ease of use, outperforming “ordinary pyrometers.” It eliminated conventional transmissions—no gears, levers, or chains—which complicated older instruments and wore quickly. Instead, it employed an original transfer: the linear expansion of a sensitive rod under heat was transmitted to the pointer through a single curved lever and a helicoidal (screw) surface. This screw-type transfer converted linear motion into pointer rotation without traditional gearwork. Thanks to this arrangement, the pyrometer scale could be calibrated using two reference points, allowing any chosen temperature range to be covered. For very high temperatures (above 300°C), Lion & Guichard produced special variants with a movable dial in order to return the zero point to its normal position under the pointer after substantial heating (since temperature changes of hundreds of degrees displaced the elastic elements and shifted the zero mark, requiring compensation).
Following the pyrometer, a compensated metal thermometer was created—essentially a sensitive thermometer without liquids. The concept was proposed by Tremeschini, and the instrument was realised at the Lion & Guichard factory around 1878. Its operating principle relied on an extremely thin elastic plate made of a special alloy (for example, plated platinum on hardened copper) in place of a liquid. With temperature change, the plate lengthened or shortened slightly, and these microscopic changes were transmitted via the same helicoidal mechanism with very strong amplification. Publications reported that all elongations of the plate were reproduced by the pointer with an amplification factor of around 600, enabling immediate and precise response to the slightest temperature fluctuations. Contemporary assessments suggested that such a metal thermometer reached thermal equilibrium with ambient air very quickly and could, in principle, surpass ordinary mercury thermometers in both speed and accuracy. At the Paris World’s Fair of 1878, this thermometer was shown at the Lion & Guichard stand and attracted specialist attention. The firm emphasised that its factory produced Tremeschini’s experimental prototypes—both the pyrometer and the thermometer.
In summary, by the end of the 1870s Lion et Guichard not only continued traditional aneroid barometer production but also moved into the avant-garde of scientific instrument making, offering simplified and more sensitive mechanisms for measuring pressure and temperature. This ensured recognition in scientific circles: Lion & Guichard instruments were mentioned in technical bulletins and in meetings of meteorologists. In December 1875, the Bulletin de l’Association scientifique de France offered a notably high appraisal: “aneroids, if well made, are entirely sufficient for precise scientific observations”, and it specifically stressed the superiority of inexpensive aneroids over more inert mercury barometers. These words (attributed to Hervé-Mangon and Émile Renou) were immediately used by the company in its advertising materials, strengthening the reputation of its barometers among potential buyers.
Exhibitions, awards, and references
As one of the notable scientific-instrument manufacturers in France, Lion et Guichard actively participated in industrial and world exhibitions of the 1870s–1880s, repeatedly receiving high awards. A chronological overview of known exhibitions and achievements is given below:
*1873, Vienna – World Exhibition (Weltausstellung 1873 Wien). At the Vienna World Exhibition the company appeared as an official French exhibitor. In the catalogue of the French section, the following entry appears: “2476. Lion et Guichard, Paris, rue de Rocroi, 8 – aneroid barometers, manometers”. The firm received awards for the instruments shown. According to later advertising, at the Vienna exhibition of 1873 Lion & Guichard obtained two silver medals (possibly in different subcategories, e.g., barometers and manometers separately). In Vienna’s official system of awards there were “progress” and “merit” medals; both Lion & Guichard medals likely corresponded to the second class (silver equivalent). The diplomas and medals obtained in Vienna confirmed the high status of the young firm internationally.
*1875, Le Havre – International Maritime Exhibition. In 1875 the French port of Le Havre hosted an international exhibition devoted to maritime affairs and navigation. Lion et Guichard presented its pressure instruments there—possibly marine barometers, manometers for steamship engines, and similar devices. For outstanding quality and affordability, the firm received the exhibition’s gold medal. In the company’s own reporting it was emphasised that precisely the combination of good workmanship and moderate price brought them this highest award (“for these two qualities they were awarded the gold medal at the International Maritime and River Exhibition of 1875”). This victory strengthened the firm’s reputation, especially among naval and military customers.
*1876, Philadelphia – Centennial Exposition. At the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia (USA), France was also broadly represented. The exhibitors’ catalogue mentions Lion et Guichard, Paris, with the product category “metal manometers” (i.e., aneroid-type instruments). The firm may have shown both standard aneroids and newer developments (pyrometer, improved thermometer) to an American audience. No definitive information about awards in Philadelphia has been found, but participation itself indicates an export ambition and a drive for global recognition. Presenting instruments overseas required coordination through the French export-exhibition commission of 1876, and Lion & Guichard evidently succeeded. Their barometers attracted foreign attention, later resulting in overseas orders (it is known, for instance, that the Moscow shop of F. Schwabe sold Lion & Guichard aneroids in the 1870s).
*1878, Paris – World Exhibition (Exposition Universelle 1878). This exhibition was a triumph for many French instrument makers, and Lion & Guichard were no exception. In 1878 they displayed a broad range of products—likely from pocket travel barometers to large public instruments, as well as their new pyrometers and thermometers. The jury awarded the firm multiple distinctions, including a silver medal for barometers. There are also indications that Lion & Guichard received a bronze medal in another class at the same exhibition (possibly for related instruments). One international catalogue states: “Guichard (Simon) & Co., Paris – 1878, Paris: silver and bronze medals; barometers, manometers, hydrometers, etc.” Thus, at the principal world stage the firm consolidated its standing with medals of different ranks. Moreover, the 1878 Paris exhibition included Tremeschini’s improved aneroid manufactured at Lion & Guichard, which brought a separate silver medal and wide press coverage; Guichard’s name appears in the official list of prize recipients in the meteorological instruments category.
*1879, Sydney – Sydney International Exhibition. Following European successes, Lion & Guichard turned toward other continents. The firm is known to have had an agent in Australia; documents mention a representative, Mr L. Moonen, in Sydney. It is likely that Lion & Guichard products were presented at the 1879 Sydney exhibition through this agent. Exhibitor catalogues include a firm profile listing medals—such as the 1878 Paris awards (silver, bronze), among others. There is no definitive record of a new Sydney medal, but participation demonstrates global brand presence. The Australian market showed interest in French instruments; Lion & Guichard barometers may have been used for agriculture and meteorology in the colonies. The presence of a local agent confirms an established export system.
*1881, Paris – International Exhibition of Electricity. In the early 1880s Guichard’s firm remained active. It participated in the Exposition Internationale d’Électricité (Paris, 1881), presenting developments at the intersection of meteorology and emerging technologies. According to the catalogue, Guichard et Cie (Paris, 8 rue de Rocroy) exhibited manometers, hydrometers, and barometers for buildings illuminated by electricity. These were instruments intended for installation in public spaces, equipped with electric lighting—such as large wall barometers with illuminated dials for railway stations, exhibition halls, and similar venues. Such devices served the popularisation of science. In Paris at that time, public barometers were installed in streets and gardens; Lion & Guichard products may have been deployed with electric-lamp illumination. The exhibition’s awards were largely in the form of special diplomas; whether the company received such a mention remains uncertain. In any case, participation underscores the firm’s adaptation to new trends—combining the traditional barometer with cutting-edge electrical technology.
*1883, Amsterdam – International Colonial and Export Exhibition. In 1883 Amsterdam hosted a major international exhibition focusing on industry and colonial trade. France presented leading exhibits. Although direct archival mentions of Lion & Guichard have not been found, the firm’s advertising materials include Amsterdam among the cities where awards were received. It may be inferred that Guichard’s products were recognised at the Amsterdam exhibition, possibly with a medal for merit or equivalent (potentially corresponding to silver). Some French sources mention “2 médailles de mérite” received by the company—perhaps referring to Amsterdam 1883 and another congress. In any case, Lion & Guichard continued its international presence into the 1880s and was not confined to France.
Beyond exhibitions, Lion et Guichard were repeatedly mentioned in directories and the press. Paris commercial yearbooks (Didot-Bottin) for the 1870s–1880s list 8, rue de Rocroy under “Instruments for physics and meteorology,” with the firm’s specialities—barometers, manometers, thermometers, and so forth. Trade journals published reviews of new instruments; La Nature and others may have covered aneroid improvements. Scientific endorsements—such as the association bulletin quoted above—became valuable advertising, and the company did not miss opportunities to cite them. Printed Lion & Guichard advertising leaflets are known, listing awards by city: Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, Le Havre, etc. One leaflet (dated c. 1876) presents product descriptions in three languages—French, English, and Chinese—stating: “Baromètres anéroïdes, Pyromètres et thermomètres métalliques. Successeurs de Lucien Vidié…” This indicates an orientation toward export to East Asia. Indeed, some Lion & Guichard aneroid barometers reached China and Japan through trading houses.
Later years and cessation of activity
By the late 1870s to early 1880s, organisational changes appear to have taken place within the company. Félix Lion likely withdrew from the business or died (exact date unknown). His name disappears from documents, and the firm continues under the name Guichard & Cie. This is how it is listed, for example, at the 1881 electrical exhibition and in the c. 1880 price list. Retaining the same address (8, rue de Rocroy) and the same focus, the enterprise effectively became Simon Guichard’s concern. In the 1880s a partner named Bisson joined, reflected in the name Guichard, Bisson et Cie by 1889. This period was marked by expansion of the product range, adding instruments for new fields (for example, steam regulators, counters, and other industrial devices). Bisson may have contributed engineering expertise in steam machinery or electrical technology.
Nevertheless, the end of the 19th century brought new challenges. Competition in the scientific-instruments market intensified. Larger specialised firms rose—for example, the well-known Paris workshop PNHB producing high-quality aneroids in large quantities, or the Jules Richard works with their serial barographs. Gradually, Lion & Guichard lost their leading position. Simon Guichard belonged to the mid-century generation, and by the 1890s he likely retired.
The precise date of liquidation is not fixed in the sources currently known. Indirectly, one can observe that after the 1890s the name Lion & Guichard is no longer mentioned. A dictionary of scientific-instrument makers notes that S. Guichard & Cie existed roughly until about 1900. The firm likely ceased operations around that time, due to a combination of factors: the departure of founders, a lack of successors, and intense competition from larger factories adopting newer technologies.
