A very good silver aneroid pocket barometer and altimeter by Francis Barker retailed by Asprey & Co, London c1905

Aneroid pocket barometer having 1¾” silvered and die struck dial, the outer crown actuated altimetric scale calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 10,000ft divided down to 50ft, inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 21” – 31” divided down to 1/10th, the upper part with standard meteorological terms and marked “Improved Scale” and “Compensated” and “Rd.149475,” the lower signed by the retailer, Asprey & Co, 165 & 166 New Bond Street, London. Blued steel pointer, bevelled glass.

1st quality Vidi pattern movement, dated “12/05,” driven from a single 1” nickel alloy capsule. The whole contained within a silver semi barrel form case, pendant, crown and bow, the verso with calibration port, family crest and ambigram, the well-struck hallmarks for silver, London, Francis Barker & Son, and 1905.

Presented within its correct burgundy leather over timber, green silk and velvet lined case, snap closure on a button release.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test, the movement working exceptionally well with good sensitivity and progression.

The dial with very faint marks, the silver case with some light abrasions and signs of handling. The leather travel case in very good condition, structurally sound, good external colour and lustre, the fabric interior intact with light wear and good vibrant colour. The closure catch working correctly.

Comments: Registered design number “149175” was awarded to Francis Barker on 1 May 1890 for the detailed inner scales, which enabled greater accuracy in determining heights. The drawing is taken from the Barker catalogue of 1907.

The family crest is most likely that of the Webb family as recorded in Fairbairn (phoenix/demi-eagle rising from flames, collared), the cypher possibly an ambigram of two mirrored Fs.

A very good example of these hard to find instruments, good condition and complete, an ideal gift or collector’s lot.