A good scarce aneroid pocket barometer compendium comprising barometer, altimeter & compass by Francis Barker for Chadburn & Son, Liverpool c1885

Pocket barometer having 1¾” silvered and die struck dial, the outer bezel driven altimetric scale calibrated in feet with a range from 0 –  14,000ft divided down to 50ft, the inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 18” – 31” divided to 1/10”, standard meteorological terms, marked “Compensated” and signed by the retailer “Chadburn & Son, Lord St, Liverpool.” Blued steel pointer under bevelled glass.

Standard Vidie pattern movement driven from a 1” nickel alloy soldered capsule tensioned on a C spring. The whole in a lacquered brass case, the verso with inset compass, illuminated and decorated rose, gilded and illuminated azimuth circle with cardinal and intercardinal points, flat section blued steel pointer marked “N” and “S”. Pendant and bow. Barometer calibration on rotation of verso.

Presented in its original ported black and brown leather over timber, blue velvet and cream silk 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, and particularly so for an instrument of 140 years’ age.

Generally good, the dial crisp and clean, minor marks and signs of ageing. The compass swinging freely, finding north easily. The brass case retaining a good proportion of original finish, the leather case worn with signs of wear, shrinkage and losses, the fabric interior intact, the blue velvet bright and vibrant, the lid silk discoloured.

Comments: Unsigned, but by Francis Barker for Chadburn & Son who, by the mid-1880s, were primarily known for the Chadburn’s Ships Engine Order Telegraph. This compendium was produced in the early years of Barker’s venture into the barometer market, which may explain the extremely accurate movement!

This is a relatively unusual pattern, attractive and functional, making an ideal gift or, given its exceptional accuracy, as part of a collection.