A rare interesting lacquered brass aneroid pocket barometer altimeter to 20,000ft by J. Hicks, London c1890

Pocket barometer having 1¾” silvered, engine divided and engraved dial, the outer fixed altitude ring calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 20,000ft and divided to 100ft the inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 15” to 31” and divided down to 1/10th”, blued steel pointer, bevelled glass set in a rotating bezel with index.

Conventional Vidi pattern movement driven from a single 1¼” capsule tensioned on a C spring, all contained within truncated barrel form case with engine turned finishes. Suspension post with bow, calibration port to verso.

Together with its correct oxblood leather over timber, blue velvet and silk lined case, snap closure on a button release.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions. The movement working well, see performance chart of dynamic test. The dial crisp and clean, the pointer repaired, possibly with a pocket watch hand, the brass case retaining a very good proportion of its original lacquered  finish. The travel case structurally sound but with clearly worn exterior leather covering, the release button leather replaced. The fabric interior with good colour and remaining sound.

Comments: Instruments of this type calibrated to 20,000ft are considered very scarce, the additional attention and calibration to the movement increasing cast and difficulty in construction.

Pocket barometers by Hicks are keenly collected and not commonly seen. This piece is in essentially very good order and must be considered desirable.