Measuring instrument - Glass, Wood - 1850-1900
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Selected by Dési van Rhee
Over 20 years' experience in antiques with a background in art history.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Industrial-style official French alcoholometer dating from ca. 1890s, made of glass and wood, with a complete set including calibrated glass tube, ballast container, and fitted wooden case.
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Description from the seller
Official French alcoholometer, issued under the Ministère des Finances – Douanes et Accises, dating from the late 19th century (circa 1890s).
This scientific measuring instrument was used by French customs officials to determine the alcohol content of liquids for fiscal and taxation purposes. The original paper label on the glass tube refers to official inspection and construction, with handwritten red serial/inspection numbers, which are typical for government-certified instruments of this period.
The lot consists of a complete set, including:
Long calibrated glass alcoholometer
Original glass ballast container filled with metal shot
Original fitted wooden case with wool padding
The instrument remains in good original condition. The glass components are intact with no visible cracks or repairs.
The original label is present and legible. The wooden case shows expected wear and patina consistent with age and use.
A genuine and increasingly scarce example of a 19th-century French fiscal and scientific instrument, suitable for collectors of scientific instruments, historical measurement devices, or customs and excise history.
Official French alcoholometer, issued under the Ministère des Finances – Douanes et Accises, dating from the late 19th century (circa 1890s).
This scientific measuring instrument was used by French customs officials to determine the alcohol content of liquids for fiscal and taxation purposes. The original paper label on the glass tube refers to official inspection and construction, with handwritten red serial/inspection numbers, which are typical for government-certified instruments of this period.
The lot consists of a complete set, including:
Long calibrated glass alcoholometer
Original glass ballast container filled with metal shot
Original fitted wooden case with wool padding
The instrument remains in good original condition. The glass components are intact with no visible cracks or repairs.
The original label is present and legible. The wooden case shows expected wear and patina consistent with age and use.
A genuine and increasingly scarce example of a 19th-century French fiscal and scientific instrument, suitable for collectors of scientific instruments, historical measurement devices, or customs and excise history.
Details
Era
1400-1900
No. of items
1
Country of origin
France
Material
Glass, Wood
Style
Industrial
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
5 cm
Width
36 cm
Depth
6 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
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