Pocket Barometer Compendium by Dollond Retailed by Hill & Son c1870 – SOLD
Pocket barometer with 1¾” silvered and engraved dial, having barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 23 – 31, stations at inches and divided to 1/10ths. Associated altimetric scale calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 8,000 with stations at 1000s and divided to 100s. The upper part marked with standard meteorological terms “Rain,” “Change” and “Fair” and “Compensated,” the lower part with retailer’s name and address “Hill & Son, 4 Haymarket, London.” Fine blued steel pointer, rotating bezel with index, bevelled glass. High quality 1¼” capsule driven movement of conventional pattern, marked “No. 2445.” Single ribbed drum form case with extension, suspension ring, calibration port set within thermometer register.
The verso with semi-circular mercurial thermometer set upon a circular ivory register with a thermal range from 30 – 120 degrees Fahrenheit, with stations at ten degrees and divided to two degree increments and marked “Fahrenheit,” “Blood Heat” and “Freezing.” Centrally mounted Singer’s Patent pattern compass with floating ¾” mother of pearl card having cardinals and intercardinals, bezel mounted lever transit lock.
All contained within its original oxblood moroccan leather over timber blue silk and purple velvet lined double case, twin button release on snap closure, the lids struck externally “A” altimeter and “C” compass denoting orientation.
This instrument, retailed by Hill & Son, is undoubtedly the work of Dollond, and is almost identical to the Dollond pocket barometer compendium also showcased on this site. It survives in very fine original condition, retaining virtually all of its lacquered finish, the barometer altimeter having been serviced and calibrated, the function shows good sensitivity and progression, the compass easily finding north with a sound locking mechanism. The thermometer with unbroken thread, the register with small crack at 6 o’clock. The case with some losses externally, wear and abrasions, some loss of shape, internal silk and velvet with good colour, some marking and fading.
Overall, this is a nice example of a very good quality instrument in collectable original condition.
Dimensions: 3″ long x 2½” wide x 1½” deep
Stock No: CP0651
Price: SOLD