🏭 Origins of ASTER

ASTER (L’Aster / Société des Compteurs et Moteurs ASTER) was a significant French engineering firm.

Founded 26 September 1898 in Paris and originally known as “L’ASTER”

Early activities included internal combustion engines, fuel pumps, industrial machinery and railway signaling equipment.

ASTER water meters were produced from the 1920's to 1950's.

After the 1950's likely rebranded under Schlumberger.

⚙️ Transition into metering technology (early 1900s)

Very early in the 20th century, ASTER expanded from water measurement products into measurement and metering systems for hydrocarbon liquids manufacturing flow measurement devices and volumetric counters.

This shift was driven by the rapid growth of petroleum distribution and the need to measure and bill liquid volumes accurately.

⛽ Specialization: liquid measurement (fuel & industrial fluids)

ASTER became known for Fuel‑distribution metering systems, petrol pump meters and distribution equipment.

Built flow meters and counters for fuel depots, tanker loading, aviation fueling and industrial processes.

ASTER did make water meters but was no longer their main business.

🔗 Merger and evolution: ASTER‑BOUTILLON

In the 20th century, ASTER entered a major industrial consolidation phase:

1920s – Formation of Aster‑Boutillon

1970s – Absorption into Schlumberger and became part of a large metering/measurement conglomerate.

🏢 Later corporate remnants (water‑meter trade connection)

A company called “ASTER Compteurs d’Eau” existed later based in Montrouge Paris and was active around 1971–1988.

Became involved in the sale, repair, and servicing of water meters.

This was likely a distribution/service company possibly linked to the wider Aster/Schlumberger network. This museum has in its collection an Aster 1924 display head casing from a water meter (pictured above).