A French Barometer!
If you love antiques like I do, you probably have a whole wish list of pieces that you would love to find at a good price. I know I do. I call it my Bucket List. Over the years , I’ve found some of the things on my bucket list, and a few weeks ago, I found another one at auction. It’s a 19th c. French Barometer.
For years, I’ve been enamored with these lovely, ornate French barometers in the homes of interior designers. I would see their homes featured in magazines, and would be instantly drawn to these antique beauties.
Every time I found one (which was rare), they were quite pricey and beyond my budget. However, last week I was surprised to find this beauty at an auction.
I’m not sure if it works {I highly doubt it}……or even how it works. Typically the oldest ones that once used mercury to determine pressure no longer function. For me, it’s a piece of art with all of its carved details, and gilded patina.
Thinking that I probably wouldn’t get it, and knowing the prices these antique barometers can fetch, I still bid on it anyway. I was shocked when I won….for a mere $87.00! I know! Crazy, right?!?
I knew that my winning bid was a good price, but I didn’t realize how good until I was able to do some research. I found two identical antique French barometers listed online, one for $2999 and the other $4500.
Barometers are instruments used to measure atmospheric pressure. It is clear that craftsmen of the 17th -19th century were devoted to making barometers of the time, in beautiful and intricate cases.
Barometers are the perfect shape to anchor a sliver of wall, and have the presence to become the focal point in any room in which they’re displayed. Barometers today, especially very old ones, are recycled as decorative pieces for beautiful homes.
For this post, I displayed the barometer on a large brass easel just so I could photograph it. I’m going to hang it on the wall as soon as I decide where I want to showcase it.
After 1780 or so, wheel barometers were being made in France in the familiar banjo shape and fabulously gilded in the Louis XV style of French furniture. Less frequently seen, but very desirable, were the octagonal shaped barometers. The wood barometers are often heavily carved and ornate with beautiful gilding.
The very early barometers were designed to be strictly functional. However, as time went on, artisans added decorative elements to these utilitarian items, and I’m so glad they did!
Today, many of these pieces can act as gorgeous accessories in the home, even if we no longer use them as they were originally intended.
Sometimes these antique barometers, which can be mounted on the wall, are mistaken for clocks because they often incorporate a dial, which makes them easier to read. But whether you need a barometer or not, their form makes them highly collectable and a gorgeous decorative objet d’art in interior decorating.
Whether you purchase one, or collect many to form a nice display, antique French barometers add a sense of history and elegance to any home. In fact, take a look at a variety of decor magazines, and I bet you’ll start to notice that ornate French barometers are featured quite often!
When hung on the wall, they act as 3D art, and they have enough presence to be the feature piece above a mantel.
I’d love to hear from you! What do you think about French barometers? Would you decorate with them in your home? Do you have one? Let’s chat!
I discovered your site today…I am hooked on your style. Along the way you have presented. I am been in different decoration from early crayon, ( children in the home) to Early American, antiques, shabby chic, blended of all. Now I just learning about the French decorations and the style…along with my personal way of expressing. I am currently selling my home and my friend’s home . We are moving to South Carolina. This new home awaits…
Thank you Rita
That’s awesome, Rita! Congratulation on your move!
Hi Cindy. The barometer is amazing. But I need to know about the chest it sits on? The painting patural? gorgeous. I know you paint your furniture. Did u do this????
Hi Jennifer! I found the chest at an estate sale. It already had the painting on it, but it did get a makeover! Here’s a link to the post if you would like to take a look: https://wp.me/p5Xug9-Qp
You have such unbelievable luck! and taste. Good for you Cindy. Waiting to see where it lands. I noticed that Ruby Lou also got her picture taken. She’s a beauty too.
Thank you, Maria!
A beautiful tableau. I have barometers, hydrometers and thermometers in my home, I love functional vintage and antique pieces.
Your room is lovely! May I ask where you got your curtains?
The curtains are from carouseldesigns.com, however I’m not sure that they are still available.
Cindy, the French barometer is stunning! I’m so jealous, I’ve been searching for one that I can afford for years..I found one at a local higher end antique mall and compared to everything else it was a steal at around $350 but you definitely scored a fabulous deal…think I’m going to go back and see if the one I saw is still available..you’ve inspired me as always. Happy hunting for your next treasures, can’t wait to see what you find…hope you have coffee in hand at 5:30a.m.
Yes, coffee is a must! You should definitely go back and see if the barometer is still available! They are so hard to find and can be quite pricey. I hope you get it! Thanks for commenting, Sharon!
What a treasure you found at a steal of a price! It’s gorgeous! I can’t wait to see where you hang it and also anxious for your powder room reveal! I’m working on a powder room as well, just searching for that perfect vintage sideboard to use as a vanity! I love your blog and your beautiful home so much! xo Dell@dellsdailydish
Cindy~
Very petty , it is like a piece of art !! I seem to never have luck at sales , I want to ask where is the good stuff hehe!
And how to tell if something really is old and not reproduced ?!
Have a joyful week friend,
Blessings,
Paula
What luck!! I would never have thought something as common as a barometer of all things, could be so beautiful and stylish!! I will definitely be on the lookout for them now!
Thanks, Ashly!
Cindy,
“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” comes to mind after reading your auction story. For sure, the beautiful barometer has a home where it is well loved.
Judith
It definitely felt like Christmas! Thanks for commenting, Judith!
Cindy – Beautiful and what a find! Not familiar with Fr barometers but how lovely! And I love it on the stand as you have it showcased. Lovely and what a price!
Thanks, Penny!
OMG! What a score!! It’s definitely on my bucket list too Cindy.
Wow! It even looks good right where it is although I am sure you will find the perfect spot on a wall. I need to be bolder in bidding! I just assume I will not win.
Don’t ever assume you won’t win, Marilyn! You never know what something will go for!
* Auctions
Cindy what a beautiful find! I have always loved French design but never thought I could afford an item like this. You give me hope! Now to learn how to do actions??
Thank you, Connie!
Oh you style so well and have the best auction houses!
The deal on this piece is swoon worthy !
Thanks, Gaylin!
You certainly did find a beauty indeed.
Thank you, Linda!
I’ve never seen a French Barometer before but it’s on my French radar now! It’s gorgeous! and I can’t believe the price you got it for! It’s a beautiful piece to add to your exceptional, French interior <3 Love it!
Oh, Lisa, you will want one of these beauties!
That’s a beautiful barometer! I know how you feel about finding a treasure. I stopped in an antique mall in Illinois last year and found one. I could not believe my eyes!!!!! I offered $125 and the offer was accepted. I could not pay fast enough!!!!!!!! I will send you a picture. Love finding treasures!
Nancy, that’s a fabulous price!!
This piece is absolutely stunning, Cindy. You’ve enlightened me about these…always love knowing the history…it brings a much greater appreciation for the piece. The price you bought it for is unbelievable, esp knowing what they normally bring…quite the steal of the century! It’s truly such a beautiful statement piece and will look lovely in your home.
Thank you, Roxie! I had almost given up on ever finding one that was a decent price. Never in a million years did I ever think I would find one for $87!!
Cindy, it is gorgeous and what a find. I imagine you were pinching yourself all the way to the car to see if you were dreaming.
You certainly have a treasure – one that will make you smile every time you see it.
Yes, I still can’t believe it! Thanks, Sandra!
Wow! I have never seen such a beautiful barometer. I am excited to see where this finds it’s place in your gorgeous home. Great find Cindy!
Cheerfully,
Nancy J. Tx
Thank you, Nancy!
Its beatiful Cindy, what a great find a a wonderful price!! Blessings,
Susan
Thanks, Susan! I still can’t believe I found it at this price!
You go girl! What a fabulous find!!!! I think this is the prettiest I’ve ever seen. Congratulations on checking another treasure off your list. ✔ I can’t wait to see where you hang it.
Thanks, Debbie!
That is totally a great find…so happy for you…..
Thank you, Jann!
Wow, Cindy, you hit the barometer jackpot!! That’s a beauty for sure and I know you will find the perfect wall to display it.
Thanks, Kim!
OMGoodness! You are one lucky girl; that’s two unbelieveable finds recently. Both of which are on MY bucket list. It’s a real beauty, congratulations.
Thank you, Terry!