A fine gilt and lacquered brass aneroid pocket barometer altimeter by James Hicks, London c1890

Pocket barometer having 1¾” silvered and embossed dial, the outer bezel rotated altitude ring calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 10,000ft divided down to 100ft, the inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 21” – 31” and divided down to 1/20”. The upper part marked with standard meteorological terms, the lower signed by the maker with London address. Blued steel pointer all set beneath a bevelled glass.

The standard pattern movement driven from a single 1” capsule tensioned on a C spring. All contained within a semi barrel form two tone case. Calibration port to verso, extension post and bow.

Presented with its correct round brown and black two tone faux leather over timber, cream silk and 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 exceptionally well to 1/10th” across the range 21 – 31 inches Hg, see performance chart. Fine overall condition, very slight marks to verso, some losses to bow. Travel case with wear to extremities, the button a replacement, case linings with signs of ageing.

Comments: This instrument was clearly made as a “special,” the two tone brass case, both gilded and lacquered, being reasonably unusual. In addition the dial is quite differently finished to standard silvered dials, with the ground having quite a different texture and the annotations actually raised, giving the appearance of embossing. Finally, the dial lacks a serial number, reinforcing the idea of a special commission instrument.

Clearly a very collectable example.