A French Bourdon pattern carved ebonised aneroid wheel barometer Jules Richard, Paris, Late 19th century With visible gilded mechanism incorporating curved Bourdon tube connected to pivoted rack driving a pinion to the arbor of the pointer, the mechanism back panel stamped with circular JR monogram trademark over Brevette, within shaped silvered surround fronted with glass printed with scale in barometric inches from 28 to 31 divided into tenths and with the usual observations, the banjo-shaped case inset with glazed mercury tube FAHRENHEIT and CENTIGRADE enamel scale thermometer to upright with fine foliate scroll relief carved decoration applied to shaped moulded platforms to crest, waist and base, 79cm (31ins) high. The maker of the mechanism of the current lot, Jules Richard, was the son of Felix Richard who worked in partnership with Bourdon. Jules Richard was born in 1848 and trained under his father before working with other scientific instrument and clock manufacturers. However he later diversified in the manufacturing of telegraph equipment and worked closely with the French scientist EJ Marey on electrical and photographic recording techniques during the 1870's. Following the death of his father in 1876, Jules inherited the family business and in 1882, he formed a partnership with his brother Max under the name of Richard Freres. This partnership was dissolved in 1891 but the company maintained its partnership name with Jules taking sole control of the business until 1921 when it was listed as a public company. The 'JR' makers stamp to the current lot would date it between 1876 when Jules took over the business and 1882, when the Richard Freres partnership began.; later movements were stamped 'RF' The inventor of the mechanism, Eugene Bourdon (1808-1884) was an early competitor to Lucien Vidie (inventor of the bellows movement) registering his crescent shaped mechanism design in 1849; it was originally produced under licence with Felix Richard (Bourdon & Richard), and continued to be produced by his successors. Bourdon's designs for both barometers and pressure gauges were met with approval at The Great Exhibition in 1851 winning him a council medal alongside his competitor Vidie. Bourdon's mechanisms however were slightly more fragile than Vidie's and although they continued to be produced until the turn of the century, they were less well received.