A good scarce lacquered brass aneroid barometer, altimeter and compass compendium No 1351 by C.W. Dixey, New Bond St, London, c1890

Aneroid pocket barometer having 1⅞” silvered and die struck dial, bezel operated outer altitude ring calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 9,000ft divided down to 100’, inner barometric scale calibrated in inches Hg with a range from 22” – 31” and divided to 1/20th. The upper part signed by the retailer “C.W Dixey, Optician to the Queen, the lower part bearing the trading address “New Bond St, London,” together with serial no. “1351.” Fine blued steel pointer, bevelled glass, engine turned bezel. Calibration port to verso, pendant and suspension ring. The movement to the Vidie pattern driven from a single 1⅛” nickel silver capsule tensioned on a C spring.

The whole contained in a split screwed drum form case with raised and engine turned bezel. The full size compass of conventional Singers design with dry mother of pearl card having jewelled suspension, cardinal and intercardinal points, compass lock to bezel.

Presented in its original and very scarce “C.W. Dixey” branded leather over timber, blue velvet and champagne silk lined, two tier case, snap closures on buttons releases. The lid silks embossed in turquoise, “C.W. Dixey, Optician to the Queen, 3 New Bond Street, London.” Vacant silver cartouche to outer lid.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test.The pocket barometer movement function is very good with excellent sensitivity and more than acceptable accuracy across the scale.

The barometer dial about pristine, very slight hint of ageing and small points of oxidation, the pointer retaining all its deep thermal blue. The compass swinging freely and easily finding north, the lock working effectively. The MOP card crisp and bright.

The lacquered brass case retaining a very good proportion of original finish, slight losses and minor oxidation. The separating thread running smoothly.

The leather case which remains structurally sound with good external colour, retaining most of its original covering, some losses to areas around buttons. The internal fabric sound, the champagne silk showing clear signs of ageing, the velvet with some wear to sharp lip edges, otherwise with good colour and vibrancy. Catches and button releases working positively. The compass an identical period replacement from the same maker.

Comments: This instrument, retailed by Dixey, is a beautiful balance of fine aesthetics and quality. The case very unusually has two printed lid silks.

In very much above average condition, with all functions working correctly, this is certainly a piece worthy of any collection.