Antique Musculus, Valson & Garcerie Hydrometer – Circa 1865 – Scientific Instrument For Oenolog

A rare 19th-century French scientific instrument: a patented "liquometer" (alcoholometer) by Musculus, Valson & Garcerie, designed to estimate the alcohol content of wines based on the principle of capillarity. This instrument represents one of the early methods for the rapid measurement of the alcoholic strength of wine, used notably within the wine industry and for customs inspections. Description: The set includes a boxwood mounting plaque bearing the inscription "LIQUOMÈTRE – BREVETÉS S.G.D.G. – MUSCULUS, VALSON & GARCERIE," accompanied by an intertwined monogram. It features two antique glass tubes with their original markings and graduations, along with protective tubes and their respective stoppers. Also included are the original green-coated metal cases, which show a natural patina and signs of use. There is an original period technical manual, complete with a conversion table and instructions for use, as well as a small brush and an unidentified accessory or substance kept inside one of the tubes. Historical documentation: The period manual mentions several awards—including a silver medal from the regional competition in La Rochelle—as well as bronze-level distinctions and an honorable mention. It also contains a table for adjusting the liquometer’s readings based on the temperature of the wine, along with a printed warning against counterfeits. A handwritten number appears on the cover of the manual. Period and significance: Estimated dating is circa 1865 (to be confirmed for this specific specimen). This is an intriguing historical instrument for collectors of antique scientific apparatus, items related to oenology and viticulture, and the history of measurement technology. Condition: An antique set showing a patina consistent with age and use. The glass tubes appear to be in good condition, retaining their original markings and graduations. The metal cases show signs of wear commensurate with their age. The original instruction manual is included, though it shows creases, tears, and signs of fragility consistent with its age. Sold as-is, complete with its accessories and vintage documentation; no guarantee is provided regarding its metrological functionality. This is a particularly compelling scientific and documentary set, preserved alongside its original accessories and manual.
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