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Object Overview
This Maillechort Cased Aneroid Barometer, crafted around 1870 by the French scientific instrument makers Lion & Guichard, is a true masterpiece of decorative applied art and engineering ingenuity. With its large nickel silver case, 16.5 centimeters in diameter, the instrument exudes a solidity and confidence, embodying the qualities essential for maritime voyages where precision and reliability were of paramount importance. However, this barometer stands out not only for its technical functionality but also for its magnificent craftsmanship, which transforms it into an object of aesthetic admiration.
At first glance, the absence of a traditional dial seems unexpected, but in reality, it’s a clever design choice. In its place is a flat protective glass with beveled edges, creating a fascinating visual effect. On the inside of this glass is a barometric scale, measured in centimeters of mercury, executed using the reverse glass painting technique — an ancient and unique method used by artisans to create decorative panels, religious objects, and elegant elements on various items, including mirrors, barometers, and clocks. As the eye glides along this scale, it feels as though it touches the boundaries of space and time, where the barometer served as a bridge between humanity and the unpredictable forces of the sea.
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aneroid capsule tensioned on a C-spring
brass, glass, iron, nickel silver
The reverse glass painting technique not only adds a decorative flair to the barometer but also infuses it with additional symbolism. The standard weather indications in French, along with the textual forecasts by Fitzroy, applied using the same method, link the instrument to the maritime world and the scientific discoveries of the era. These indications do more than just inform — they bring the device to life, transforming it into a universal tool for weather forecasting and understanding the moods of the ocean. Every wind direction, every prediction becomes part of a complex forecasting mechanism that may once have saved countless lives.
Two thermometer scales — Reaumur and Celsius — particularly stand out, both executed with the same precise and refined painting technique. Together, they create a visual symphony in which every detail plays a distinct role. The glass tube of the alcohol thermometer, glowing with a deep red hue, is positioned on the front surface of the glass, adding a vibrant touch. This “cherry on top” breathes life into the device, symbolizing the passion and energy hidden within this delicate instrument.
The barometer operates on a conventional movement tensioned on a C-spring. A large 70-millimeter aneroid capsule, made of German Silver, is mounted on an iron lever fitted with an integrated flat spring. A delicate main lever, extending from the spring, runs downward to the central shaft. The central shaft of the pivot mechanism is mounted on bearings and equipped with a brass ball counterweight. The drive to the pointer shaft is transmitted through a chain linkage, while the pointer shaft itself is fitted with a spiral spring.