A very attractive scarce gilt brass aneroid pocket barometer altimeter and compass compendium by Negretti & Zambra no. 12382 c1930

Pocket barometer having 1¾” silvered and die struck dial, the outer bezel set altitude scale calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 10,000ft divided down to 100ft, inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 21” – 31” divided down to 1/20th. The upper part with standard meteorological terms and marked “Compensated,” the lower signed “Negretti & Zambra, London” and serial no. “12382.”

The high finished movement of conventional Vidie design driven from a single 1” nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring. All contained within a ribbed drum form gilt brass case. Calibration port to verso. Pendant and pinned bow.

The double pivoted compass having frosted gilt stepped card, illuminated cardinal and intercardinal points and star form decorated centre. Flat blued steel needle marked “N” and “S” in gold.

Presented in its original burgundy leather over timber, green silk and velvet lined case, the base with compass viewing aperture, snap closure on a button release.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test. The movement working well with maximum error of  0.2” at 22” and below.

The barometer dial crisp and clean. The compass easily finding north. The outer brass case retaining a good proportion of original gilt finish, the leather travel case crisp and structurally sound, good external colour and gloss, the leather replaced to immediate locality of release button, the fabric interior verdant and bright.

Comments: Rarely seen, especially in this crisp condition, a wonderful instrument with strong aesthetic appeal and functional utility, certainly in collectable condition.