A very good scarce and early lacquered brass aneroid pocket barometer by Callaghan No 2326 c1867

Pocket barometer having 1¾” silvered and die struck dial, the barometric range in inches of Hg from 26” – 31” divided down to 1/20th, the upper part with standard meteorological terms  and signed by the maker “Callaghan,” the lower with street address “23a New Bond St, Corner of Conduit St, London.” Rotating bezel with barb index. Blued steel pointer, bevelled glass.

The conventional Vidie pattern movement driven from a single 1⅛ ” nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a coil spring, sub chassis with spindle and cock mountings, the chassis dated “1/6/67.” All contained within a lacquered brass stepped barrel form case, pendant and bow, calibration port to verso.

Presented with its correct Callaghan signature green leather over timber, cream silk and plum velvet lined case, the lid silk with Callaghan logogram in gold block. 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 well across the standard barometric scale.

The dial clean and crisp, minor marks to centre. The brass case retaining most original lacquered finish with good vibrancy. The travel case the subject of some restoration, localised leather replacement to release button and keeper. Re-coloured overall. The internal fabric sound, some fading and discolouration.

Comments: An early Callaghan instrument manufactured just a few years after Negretti & Zambra perfected the world’s first truly pocket watch sized aneroid barometer. These instruments are rarely found and especially in this condition. Very much a collector’s piece.