A scarce cased Hutchinson’s Improved Surveying Aneroid Pocket Barometer No 44 attributed to Elliott Brothers c1890

Pocket barometer having 1¾” die struck and silvered dial, bezel rotated altitude scale calibrated in feet and divided to 20ft ascending and descending over 1000ft, marked “up” and “down.” The barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 26” – 31” and divided to 1/10ths. The upper part marked in script “Hutchinson’s Improved Surveying Aneroid,” “Compensated,” and “Keep the eye level with the Needle,” the lower part with further instruction, “In ascending point of needle goes up, On descending it goes down.” Fine blued steel pointer under bevelled glass. Conventional Vidi pattern movement driven from a single 1” diameter nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring, the chassis underside struck with no. “44.”

Drum form brass case with engine turned finish to bezel, extension post with suspension ring, calibration port to verso. All contained within its correct burgundy leather over timber, cream silk and dark blue velvet lined case, snap closure on a button release.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation and calibration under laboratory conditions. The movement working well with easily acceptable levels of accuracy across the standard range, good sensitivity and generally stepless progression.

The dial crisp and clean, some abrasions to centre, the bezel moving with correct resistance, minor patches of oxidation to periphery. The brass case retaining a good proportion of its original lacquered finish, some losses to side and verso.

The leather case structurally sound, some slight movement in hinge at lid, the leather to bottom periphery restored. Good colour to leather, the fabric interior generally good condition, the cream lid silk with age related discolouration, the dark blue velvet with some wear to top edges, otherwise sound, bright and vibrant.

Comments: A very hard to find instrument. Though not perfect, it represents a very good and attractive example of its type. A desirable collector’s piece.