A fine gilt and lacquered brass aneroid pocket barometer altimeter and compass compendium probably by Short & Mason c1910

Pocket barometer having 1⅞” French silvered and die struck dial, the outer engine turned, bezel operated altitude ring calibrated in feet with a range from 0-8,000ft and divided down to 50ft, the upper part bearing standard meteorological terms and marked “Compensated,” the barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 23” – 31” and divided down to ⅒”.

Blued steel pointer, bevelled glass, the standard Vidie pattern movement driven from a single 1⅛” nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring. All contained within a drum form case, pendant and pinned bow, the verso with calibration port, threaded to accept the detachable full width compass comprising mother of pearl hand decorated Singer pattern card, cardinals and intercardinals, side mounted transit lock.

The compendium presented in its correct oxblood leather over timber, green silk and velvet lined two tier case. Snap closures on twin button release.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test. The pocket barometer working exceptionally well with minimal discernible error across the entire range from 23” – 31”, excellent sensitivity and stepless progression.

Crisp overall. The barometer dial clean bright and clear. The compass swinging freely, easily finding north, the card bright and clear, the lock working with smooth precision. The brass exterior retaining a very high proportion of its two tone original finish, some wear and very minor points of oxidation.

The leather travel case structurally sound with good colour, hinge and snaps showing minimal wear. The fabric interior bright, clean and vibrant, minimal wear and losses.

Comments: Overall this is a really first class instrument, performance of barometer and compass meeting the highest standard for its class. Coupled with the overall condition, this is a beautiful piece worthy of any collection and extremely difficult to match. Becoming increasingly scarce these instruments must be considered the stand out pieces from this generic class of instruments and as such have the best possibilities for substantial uplift in value.