Antique Swiss Pocket Barometer Compendium by Benzoni c1900 – SOLD
Pocket barometer having 2” printed enamel dial with twin fixing screws, the barometric scale calibrated in centimetres of mercury with a range from 34 – 80, the indicated altimetric scale from 0 – 5000 metres. Blued steel pointer, rotating bezel with fine index, bevelled low dome crystal, conventional continental cantilever type movement arranged between twin plates.
Drum form case with compensation port to verso accessed by hinged compass and thermometer set to oxidised brass dial and register. The compass with stepped dial, the outer raised, silvered azimuth circle marked in degrees with stations at 10 degree intervals and divided to single degrees, the inner marked with cardinals, intercardinals and true North. Locking bar with sliding lever to outer case. The thermometer of semi-circular pattern set to a register calibrated in degrees centigrade with a range from 10 – 40 degrees.
The whole contained within its correct round leather over timber, blue silk and velvet lined case, snap closure on a button release.
These instruments are comparatively rare and a most interesting variation on the quintessential English design. With a very different aesthetic quality, this pocket barometer compendium is certainly attractive.
As compendia go, this is a very good example. Stripped, checked, serviced and calibrated, this would make an excellent useable instrument. The barometer with good sensitivity and transition, the compass, with effective functioning lock, easily finds north, the thermometer with a good level of accuracy.
As much an item for the collector or user.
Dimensions: 2½” diameter x 1½” deep
Stock No: CP0871
Price: SOLD