A pair of Louis XIV style gilt-bronze mounted tortoiseshell and brass inlaid ebony thermometer and barometer circa 1870

each of narrow rectangular shape with domed outer gilt-bronze band

Both in good condition, with minor marks and scratches consistent with age. The gilt-bronze displaying some tarnishing, and areas of rubbing, most notably on the finials surface, would benefit from a light clean according to taste.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The marchand-mercier Claude-Francois Julliot is known to have kept a barometer and a thermometer of almost identical model in his stock. A related barometer, previously in the collection of M. and Mme. Henri Rabeau, was sold Sotheby's Monaco, June 17-18, 1989, lot 846; another one from the Collection of Lily and Edmond J. Safra was sold Sotheby's New York, 20-21 October 2011, lot 982.

In the 19th century, Gervais-Maximilien-Eugène Durand (b. 1839) is known to have produced this model. Active in the fashionable rue St. Antoine, Durand was the first of three generations of successful cabinet-makers, exhibiting widely at the International Exhibitions (see Sotheby's New York, 22 April 2010, lot 121, $23,750).