A very good scarce gilt brass pocket aneroid barometer altimeter and compass compendium by Callaghan, London no. 7988 c1890

Pocket barometer having 1¾” silvered and die struck dial, the outer bezel operated altitude ring calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 3,000ft divided down to 10ft, inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 28” -31” divided down to 1/50”, the upper part with standard meteorological terms and marked “Compensated.” Blued steel pointer, bevelled glass, pendant and bow.

The 1st quality Vidie pattern movement driven from a single 1” capsule tensioned on a C spring, the chassis struck with Callaghan movement no “7988.” All contained within a semi barrel form gilded and lacquered brass case decorated with central engine turned panel.

The verso with inset ¾” Singers Pattern compass, the mother of pearl dry card on jewelled suspension, hand decorated with cardinal and intercardinal points. Bezel mounted compass lock and flat bevelled glass. Barometer calibration port to side.

Presented in its original burgundy leather over timber, green silk and velvet lined verso ported travel case, snap closure on a button release.

Condition. The pocket barometer 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.

Overall very crisp, the barometer dial clear clean and vibrant, the compass card clear, swinging freely and finding north easily. The compass lock working correctly. The brass case retaining much of its original gilt and lacquer finish. The leather travel case structurally sound with excellent colour, some fading to fabric interior, the button release replaced and leather over.

Comments: One of the last numbered Callaghan instruments, presumably made for anonymous retail, this style of instrument by Callaghan must be considered unusual and in this condition very hard to find. Very much one for the collector.