Vintage Chimneypiece - 1950-1960

Rare fireplace bellows with integrated thermometer – Wood and studded leather – Vintage 1950s/1960s

Elegant vintage fireplace bellows equipped with an integrated thermometer, dating probably from the 1950s–1960s.

This decorative and functional object combines a traditional wooden and leather fireplace bellows with a central thermometer dial bearing the inscription “Thermometer précision °C,” graduated from 0 to 70 °C.
The bellows consist of stained and varnished wooden panels, combined with a soft brown covering held in place by numerous metal rivets. The whole is finished with a metal nozzle allowing the air to be expelled to rekindle the embers of a hearth.
The dial is protected by glass and features a particularly elaborate floral design. A small emblem in the shape of a shield bearing the letter “T” is also present on the metal part.

Estimated period: around 1950–1960.
Materials: wood, leather or imitation leather, metal, glass and thermometric mechanism.

The maker could not be identified with certainty. The dial is in French and the object bears the characteristics of French decorative production from the mid-20th century, though its exact place of manufacture cannot be documented.

The piece shows normal signs of age and use: patina, small scratches, marks on the wood, wear to the covering and metal elements, visible in the photographs.

The operation of the bellows and the thermometer has been tested and is functional.

A particularly original piece, at once a functional fireplace accessory, a thermometric instrument and a vintage decorative element.