Rare 18th-century Graphometer

Important brass graphometer signed by Jacques Le Maire, Paris – Louis XV period, 18th century

A rare and elegant, finely engraved brass graphometer, signed “Jacques Le Maire, au Génie, Paris,” a renowned Parisian manufacturer of scientific instruments active in the first half of the 18th century.

This surveying instrument features a graduated semicircle with double graduations, a central compass with an engraved wind rose, and rich openwork decoration in the Louis XV style. The engraving of the signature is particularly meticulous and attests to the quality of craftsmanship of this renowned workshop.

The graphometer is preserved with its original mounting ball joint. The sighting alidade is missing, as is often the case with this type of antique instrument, but the piece as a whole remains highly decorative and perfectly representative of 18th-century French scientific instruments.

A beautiful collector’s item for enthusiasts of antique measuring instruments, cabinets of curiosities, or collections of the history of science.

Dimensions (without the base):

• Length: 21 cm
• Height: 18 cm

Period: first half of the 18th century (circa 1725–1745).
Condition: in excellent condition with an antique brass patina, signs of normal wear, and the sighting alidade is missing. Compass included. The wooden base was added later for display purposes.