Aneroid pocket barometer having 1¾” die struck silvered dial, outer barometric scale calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 16,000 feet, divided to 100ft, inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 17” – 31” and divided to 1/10ths, the upper part with standard meteorological terms and marked “Compensated,” the lower portion signed by the maker “Dollond, London,” blued steel pointer, rotating bezel with index and heavy bevelled glass.
The movement driven from a single nickel alloy 1” capsule and tensioned on a C spring, the cock with scratched serial “No 1967,” all contained within a ribbed drum form case, the case circumference engraved “Arthur Cecil.” Extension post and suspension ring.
The verso with semi-circular mercurial thermometer set on an ivory register calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit with a range from 20 – 140, barometer calibration screw. The centre set with a Singer’s Patent compass, jewelled suspension, mother of pearl card with cardinals and intercardinals, marked “Singer’s Patent” and serial no. “18084,” silvered trim ring, bevelled glass, compass lock.
All contained within a brown leather over timber, turquoise silk and velvet lined double lidded compendium case. Snap closure on a button release. The lids marked “A” for altimeter and “C” for compass.
Condition: The subject of a comprehensive overhaul, conservation and calibration under laboratory conditions. The movement working well with exceptional accuracy, good sensitivity and progression, see performance chart. The dial unmarked, vibrant and clean, the compass finding north easily, the thermometer working, the register with three hairline cracks. Drum form case retaining most original lacquered finish. The leather case structurally sound, the leather with good colour, minor marks, stains or blemishes, the unusually coloured fabric interior sound though the silk lid inserts with some ageing.
Comments: This pocket barometer compendium is rare, and very rare in this condition. Of particular interest is the numbered Singer’s Patent compass which dates it to pre-1868.
Aesthetically this is a much more appealing instrument than most, the depth of the glass being unusual and creating a very pleasing bevel, the simplicity of the dial with its uncluttered appearance and precise marking all contribute to the obvious perception of quality. Very unusually as an altimeter this holds a near perfect level of accuracy to an altitude of around 10,000 ft. One other near identical pocket barometer compendium is known.
A piece for the connoisseur and collector alike.
Provenance: Lord Arthur Cecil, the brother of the second Marquis of Salisbury who was three times the Prime Minister of Great Britain, was born July 3, 1851 and died July 16 1913, aged 62. He was great-uncle to Vita Sackville-West of Bloomsbury Group and garden design fame, and at one time served as private secretary to Queen Victoria.
Note: Cites Ivory Exemption Registration No.V3YO5W36
Dimensions: 2¾” long x 2¼” wide x 1¼” high
Stock No: CP1888
Price: SOLD