A very unusual early French aneroid aircraft altimeter by E. Hüe, Paris no. 546 c1914

Air altimeter having 3¼” silvered and die struck two piece dial, the outer crown driven altitude ring marked “Hectom” (hectometres) with a displayed range from 0 – 28, and maximum marked value of 3500 metres, alternate red and black stations at 1000 metre increments, divided down to 500 and 250 metres. Inner barometric scale calibrated in cmHg , with a range from 56 – 79 divided down to 1mm. The upper part marked “Compensé” (compensated), the lower with Hüe logogram and the legend “Aviation Militaire.” Blued steel pointer, bevelled glass.

The conventional Vidie pattern movement raised over a decorated lacquered brass chassis and driven from a single nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring. Presented in a cast and spun lacquered aluminium case, four radially mounted suspension points, altitude setting crown, calibration port to verso. Both movement and case carrying the serial no. “546.”

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test. The movement working exceptionally well across the entire range. The dial with some minor marks and signs of ageing, the aluminium case with some losses to lacquer and light abrasions.

Comments: A very unusual, aesthetically attractive instrument, an early aircraft altimeter issued to the fledgling French air force (“Aviation Militaire”) sometime around the outbreak of hostilities. The association with early wartime flying is compelling and one can only wonder at its history. In relation to date of manufacture, we can be fairly precise based upon the altitude range to about 10,000 feet.

Eagerly sought after, this WWI air altimeter is most definitely a collector’s lot.