Pocket barometer compendium having 1¾” die struck and silvered dial, barometric scale in inches of mercury and having a range from 23 – 31, outer rotating altitude ring marked in feet with a range from 0 – 8,000. The upper dial marked with standard meterological terms, “Rain,” “Change,” “Fair,” and “Compensated,” the lower part bearing the maker’s name, “J. Lancaster & Son, Birmingham.” Fine blued steel pointer set beneath a bevelled low iron glass. Rotating bezel with engine turned circumference. Plain ball form suspension post and ring. Conventional single 1⅛” capsule driven movement. The whole contained within a plain ribbed drum form case. The verso with compensation port set into die struck and silvered thermometer register, supporting a circular pattern thermometer and calibrated in degrees fahrenheit with a range from 1 – 120, 1” diameter bar needle compass to centre, the card marked with cardinals in red and intercardinals in black, bezel activated lock.

The whole complete within its original double sided leather over wood, cream silk and  imperial purple velvet lined case, snap closures and button releases.

A very well executed pocket barometer compendium with pleasing design and evident quality, most probably the work of the signatory. Instruments of this type bearing Lancaster’s name are seldom seen, at the time of writing we offer one other and these are the only two such we have encountered. It must be assumed that this maker produced relatively few probably because the quality of these instruments made them too expensive to produce when selling into what had become a highly competitive market place.

The barometer has very good sensitivity and progression and moves well to full scale deflection, the compass swings freely and finds north easily.

Retaining much of its original gilt finish, the leather case worn with some losses of leather covering to edges, the lid silks discoloured, the velvet interior having survived well with good colour and integrity but with wear to edges. Both closure buttons replaced. Overall crisp original condition and in good working order. Fully serviced, conserved and calibrated.

An unusual, aesthetically very attractive and usable collector’s piece.

Dimensions: 2¾” diameter x 1½” deep

Stock No: CP0628

Price: SOLD