A very good scarce aluminium cased aneroid pocket barometer altimeter by Short & Mason, London, c1910

Pocket barometer having 1⅞” silvered and die struck dial, the outer crown operated altitude scale calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 10,000ft and divided down to 100ft, the inner part with standard meteorological terms, the barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 21” – 31” being divided to 1/10th”, at centre marked “Compensated,” at the lower part signed by the maker “Short & Mason, London.” Blued steel pointer, all set beneath a bevelled glass.

The first quality gilt movement dated “18/4/10” and signed off by the finisher “WB,” standard Vidi pattern driven from a single 1⅛th” capsule and tensioned on a C spring.
All contained within an aluminium semi drum-form case, ribbed decoration and engine turned finish to bezel. Case extension with crown and suspension loop. The verso with calibration port, movement fixings.

Presented within its original oxblood leather over timber, cream silk and blue velvet lined case, snap closure on a button release.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions. The movement working exceptionally well with error shown as less than 0.06”Hg across the entire range. The dial clean, bright and crisp, very slight uniform ageing, the altitude ring with slight ageing between 4000’ and 7000’ stations. The crown operated altitude ring moving positively and smoothly. The aluminium case with good lustre, minor marks and very light abrasion haze.

The leather case retaining a measure of the original glaze, crisp, sound with good colour, the leather over the snap release replaced. The fabric lining perished at lid silk, the velvet with case marks, some wear at bow station, but generally very good with fine colour and vibrancy. Structurally sound with positive closure and opening.

Comments: These were Short and Mason’s best quality instruments of the period, manufactured at a time when aluminium was still at a premium., the instrument aimed at the hiker or mountaineer. I think over time I have handled around three or four – they are certainly hard to find and a delight to own as an instrument of fine quality in making and having inherent accuracy. This one is as good as I have seen, and is certainly collectable.