Thank you very much for your feedback. As for the wording....all the words I can make out are in french, and related to weather and temperature (no dates or maker). Some of the words appear to be painted over and I can't make them out. The dark area at the top is carving. I did some construction work for Tony Victoria in NYC (Frederick P. Victoria and Son, Inc.) back in the late 1980's and for partial payment I choose this thermometer. It came with documentation as follows: "A very unusual antique 19th century thermometer executed in carved painted and gilded wood. This thermometer was reputedly made for the Chateau of Fountainbleau after the return of the monarchy, circa 1835. The carved fleur de lis motifs on the sides and the sunburst and Apollo mask at the top lend weight to this association." Tony told me that it's been in his family for a long time and he remembered it from when he was a child . There is a little paint chipping on the front and some mildew on the back. The original price tag on it was $16,000, which I think is crazy. I had a auctioneer tell me it was worth $200. I guess it's worth somewhere closer to the $200. I got the thermometer in exchange for about $2000 worth of work. I'm a meteorolgist now and at the time I just really liked it and wanted it. I don't think I'll sell it and I'll probably not touch it anymore, and leave it as is for now. Thanks so much again for the feedback. There are a few more photos on the "here are the photos" thread. Edward
