Standard metre, fundamental unit of length measurement in the decimal metric system. The metric system was adopted in France after the revolution, and in lands under French rule. It was made compulsory to teach the new metric system in the schools of the Cisalpine Republic from 1803 onwards.
The bar is marked with divisions every 0.5 cm. The French word Mètre is engraved in the centre.
It is signed by its maker Giò De Vecchi, Bergamo, and dated.

Device on display.