A fine and substantial silver-cased pocket barometer by Negretti & Zambra, case by Mappin & Webb, retailed by Lennie, Edinburgh, c1927

Silver pocket barometer having 1¾” silvered and die-struck dial, outer bezel rotating altitude scale with a range from 0- 8,000 feet divided to 20 feet increments. The inner meteorological scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 23 – 31, divided to 1/10th of an inch, the upper dial marked with standard meteorological terms “Rain, Change, Fair,” and “Compensated for temperature.” The lower portion signed by the retailer, “Lennie, Edinburgh.” Blued steel pointer, all set beneath a bevelled crystal glass set in an engine-turned rotating bezel.

The silver case with hallmarks for “Mappin & Webb,” “London,” and “1927.” The base stamped with letter “L,” and faintly marked “£ B-Y/-.”

First quality Negretti & Zambra 1” capsule driven movement, contained within an unusually heavy sterling silver case, hallmarked to lower case circumference and inner lid. Presented in its rarely seen, brown leather over timber, green velvet and silk lined case. Snap closure on a button release.

Generally fine condition, the silver case with two very minor depressions in the lid, the base with a small depression at extreme edge. The pocket barometer dial with small mark at 26″, otherwise crisp and clean. The movement shows excellent progression with accuracy better than a 1/10th of an inch between 31 and 25″ Hg (please see instrument test certificate). The leather case sound with both internal fabrics and external leather in very good condition, with good colour and vibrancy.

These instruments are not uncommon, but this one might be viewed as scarce based on its overall fine condition, its origins in manufacture, and notably the very substantial silver case by one of the very best makers. In addition, these instruments rarely survive in their original leather cases, most having been separated from the case for display purposes.

This is probably as good an example of this particular instrument as one might find. Very much a collectors piece.