A very good ovoid cased tryptych travel compendium comprising pocket barometer altimeter, miniature compass and thermometer compiled by James Brown and retailed by Edward & Sons c1898

Small sized aneroid pocket barometer having 1½” silvered and die struck dial, the outer bezel operated altimetric scale calibrated in feet with a range with a range from 0 – 8,000ft divided down to 100ft, the inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 23” – 31” divided down to 1/20th. The upper part with standard meteorological terms and “Compensated,” the lower signed “J. Brown, Glasgow.” Blued steel pointer, bevelled glass.

Conventional movement dated “10/98” driven from a single ¾” nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring. Contained within a semi barrel form case, engine turned finishers, pendant and bow, calibration port to verso.

Miniature Singers pattern compass with ¾” mother of pearl dry card displaying cardinals and intercardinals, star and lyre indicating north, floating on jewelled suspension. Contained within a semi barrel form ribbed case, pendant, and bow with push-pull button transit lock.

Thermometer with ivorene register displaying Fahrenheit and Centigrade scales, 25° – 120° and -5° to 50° respectively.

All presented in a fine ovoid form leather over timber, plum velvet lined, double hinged strut display travel case, marked in gold block with royal warrant “To The Queen” with crown and “Edward & Sons, Diamond Merchants, 92 Buchanon Street, Glasgow.”

Condition: The barometer working exceptionally well showing a maximum error of 1/10th” across the range, see performance chart from dynamic test. The dial crisp and clean, the brass case retaining virtually all its original finish with some discolouration to verso.

The compass swinging freely finding North easily, the lock working positively. The case retaining virtually all its original finish. The thermometer reading to within 1° measured at 65.8°F.

The leather travel case exceptional, showing minor external wear and small loss to leather over one hinge, the fabric interior bright and radiant, the strut retaining its pull out ribbon (usually missing).

Comments: This pattern of compendium is not rare, however virtually all have suffered over the years with ultra violet damage to the fabric interiors having been displayed for long periods in sun light. The case here is in exception for its condition.

This pocket barometer was almost certainly made by Francis Barker for James Brown, the Scottish optician and seller of meteorological instruments. Barker also supplied Edward & Sons with instruments including pocket barometers and compendia, so it is possible that this barometer is a period replacement, being of exactly the correct size and type with a Glasgow address.

James Brown’s 76 St Vincent Street store was a two minute walk to the Edward & Sons shop at 92 Buchanan Street, and Brown learnt his trade with Gardner & Co of 53 Buchanan Street for nine years before setting up his own business in 1871.

Very much a collector’s piece.