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A Nautical Stick Barometer with Herringbone Mahogany, Philadelphia, c.1810, Provenance "James" Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont
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Barometers made in America are quite rare as most were produced in England. This one was from Philadelphia and has a very interesting provenance placing it with an important historical individual.
A handwritten paper label glued to the back of this barometer reads as follows:
"This barometer is from the house of
James Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont
Le Rayville
Jefferson County
New York, c.1810"
James was the American appellation of Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, whose father (of the same name) was of one of France's most wealthy and successful Colonial era aristocrats. Le Ray the elder made a fortune in shipping and built upon it with the founding and operation of glassmaking and earthenware factories in France. Le Ray was also close friends with Benjamin Franklin and provided lavish estates for the American diplomat to live in on his many extended visits to France. Ultimately, Le Ray became one of the chief French supporters of the American revolution, dedicating much of his wealth to acquiring weapons and supplies for the American forces. James Le Ray, his son, moved to America in 1785, where he founded the town of Le Ray in New York and established its first saw mill. It is his home in Le Ray that this barometer is associated with.
There is no mercury in the barometer at this time, but it could be made functional. Shipping with mercury is always a problem, but there are several people in the business that restore mercury, bringing it to functional condition. Also, please note the herringbone pattern of the mahogany is quite striking.
Height: 38 in.
A handwritten paper label glued to the back of this barometer reads as follows:
"This barometer is from the house of
James Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont
Le Rayville
Jefferson County
New York, c.1810"
James was the American appellation of Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont, whose father (of the same name) was of one of France's most wealthy and successful Colonial era aristocrats. Le Ray the elder made a fortune in shipping and built upon it with the founding and operation of glassmaking and earthenware factories in France. Le Ray was also close friends with Benjamin Franklin and provided lavish estates for the American diplomat to live in on his many extended visits to France. Ultimately, Le Ray became one of the chief French supporters of the American revolution, dedicating much of his wealth to acquiring weapons and supplies for the American forces. James Le Ray, his son, moved to America in 1785, where he founded the town of Le Ray in New York and established its first saw mill. It is his home in Le Ray that this barometer is associated with.
There is no mercury in the barometer at this time, but it could be made functional. Shipping with mercury is always a problem, but there are several people in the business that restore mercury, bringing it to functional condition. Also, please note the herringbone pattern of the mahogany is quite striking.
Height: 38 in.
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