Antique French Charles X Giltwood Lyre Barometer Thermometer Signed Binda Verdun

PRODUCT DETAILS

• Brand: Binda, optician at Verdun (retailer's signature engraved on the dial)

• Material: Carved and gessoed giltwood and gilt composition (pastiglia) case; paper dial under glass; mercury siphon barometer; thermometer on a printed paper scale

• Dimensions: approx. 33 in H x 19 in W x 2 in D; dial approx. 12 in diameter

• Color/Finish: Original water gilding, worn through to the red bole and bare gesso on the high points of the lyre arms, hexagon mouldings, and corner mounts; not regilded

• Condition: Gilt composition ornament (corner mounts, rosettes, floral swags) complete with no losses; dial paper toned with a horizontal crack across the lower third and light surface soiling; both hands present; glass intact; thermometer tube present with an intact column; barometer tube sits behind a closed rear access panel and was not opened, so it was not tested; rear paper backing is torn and lifting in places over sound boards; case is sound, complete, and untouched

• Era/Period: French Restauration (Charles X period), circa 1820-1840

• Subject: Weather instrument in the classic lyre-form Charles X case, with a "Selon Toricelli" dial, seven-term French weather scale, and a comparative thermometer set into the lyre strings

This is an unaltered French giltwood instrument from the Restauration period, its lyre-form crest and hexagonal dial surround typical of the era, retailed under the signature of Binda, an optician at Verdun. The gilding shows honest wear from age rather than a later regild, and the original thermometer, both dial hands, and gilt composition ornament all remain in place. It suits a buyer furnishing a period French interior or building a collection of 19th-century scientific and decorative instruments who wants an unrestored example rather than a refinished one.