A very good and extremely unusual silver and rose gold mounted travel barometer, altimeter and thermometer compendium by Sebastian Garrard of London c1910

Aneroid barometer having 2¼” silvered and die struck stepped dial, the outer bezel set scale calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 8,000ft divided down to 100ft, the inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury divided to 1/20”, inset centre with standard meteorological terms, the lower part with semi circular thermometer calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit and degrees Celsius having ranges of 10° to 130° and -20° to 50° respectively, both divided to single degrees. Fine blued steel pointer set beneath a bevelled glass.

Conventional Vidie pattern movement, almost certainly by Short & Mason, driven from a single 1¼” nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring, the bridge inscribed with finisher’s initials “RB” and date “17/1/11.” All contained within a silver reeded case, the inner lid and lip to lower case struck with English hallmarks for Sebastian Garrard, London and 1910. The outer top set with a detailed rose gold griffin at centre, along with rose gold thumbpiece and hinge tubes.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test. The movement working exceptionally well over a relatively wide scale 23” – 31”, with a maximum recorded error less than 0.25”, this recorded at highest pressure. This is well within expected performance of an instrument of this age. Sensitive and with good progression.

The dial with very minor marks to centre, generally crisp and clean. The silver case with some minor impressions, signs of age and handling, presenting exceptionally well with clean lines.

Comments: This is really a very impressive piece, for its design, weight, the combination of rose gold and silver, and the well-executed reeded case, but probably mostly by virtue of the silversmith that created it. It is the first barometer case that we have studied to have come from the workshops of the world famous maker Sebastian Garrard, Royal Warrant silversmith to Victoria, Edward VII, George V and George VI.

Very much sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike, this is a truly wonderful statement piece. Be it for a collection or a special gift, this silver and rose gold travel compendium is without doubt a very fine object.

Sebastian Henry Garrard: In 1843, the family firm of Garrard was formally appointed Crown Jewellers by Queen Victoria, assuming responsibility for the design and production of jewellery and silverware for the royal family, as well as for the care and maintenance of the Crown Jewels. This Royal Warrant was held for 164 years until 2007. Leadership of the family firm passed in 1900 to Sebastian H. Garrard (1868–1946), and his maker’s marks entered at Goldsmiths Hall.