A Louis XIV ormolu-mounted and brass-inlaid tortoiseshell barometer and matching thermometer circa 1710

each of narrow rectangular shape with domed outer ormolu band cast with bell-husks and C-scrolls, surmounted with a pierced ormolu cresting cast with acanthus under ormolu fogires of putti flanking a globe, each with inset engraved dial and central tube within a tortoiseshell ground; one inscribed Thermometer/4058, the other Barometer 4057.

Christie's New York, October 21, 1997, lot 45
Christie's London, December 9, 1993, lot 31
Christie's London, December 7, 1978, lot 23

Both with age cracks and slight buckling to tortoiseshell, which is not with minor losses, minor patches and restorations; not extensive. Ormolu with some rubbing and minor traces of oxidation and surface dirt. Brass with some oxidation and surface dirt. Thermometer with small lifting to wood in upper right corner; approximately 1.5in. in size. Both with glass tubes replaced. In good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The marchand-mercier Claude-Francois Julliot is known to have kept a barometer and a thermometer of almost identical model in stock. The inventory prepared following his wife's death on November 5, 1777 includes "663... un baromètre et un thermomètre fond d'écaille rouge à bande de cuirre lisse sur Lacquelle les degrés sont tracés; garnis d'un cadre à groupe d'enfants du haut et à culot à rinceau par bas... 1001." A related barometer, previously in the collection of M. and Mme. Henri Rabeau, was sold Sotheby's Monaco, June 17-18, 1989, lot 846.