A very unusual Whiteside-Cook pattern engine turned silver cased small aneroid pocket barometer altimeter and compass compendium no. 18805 c1890

Miniature aneroid pocket barometer having 1⅜” silvered and die struck dial, the outer bezel activated altitude ring calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 8,000ft and divided down to 100ft, the inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 23” – 31” of Mercury and divided down to 1/20th”. The upper part marked with standard meteorological terms and “Compensated,” the lower signed by the maker “Negretti & Zambra, London,” and serial no. “18805,” blued steel pointer, bevelled glass.

First quality movement driven from a single ¾” capsule tensioned on a coil spring, all contained within a semi-drum form, engine turned case with plain central rib. The verso with miniature Singer’s design compass having mother of pearl dry card and jewelled suspension, cardinal and intercardinal points, Singer’s trademark lyre and star to north. Case extension and bow.

Presented in its original two tone, burgundy and black leather over timber, green silk and velvet lined case, the lid silk bearing Negretti & Zambra’s logogram in gold block, the verso with compass viewing port. Snap closure on a button release. Initials “W.B.” to top lid in gold block.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions. The movement working and reasonably accurate across the standard range., as is the norm for such ‘miniature’ instruments.

The dial with some abrasions really only visible in critical light, generally clean, some ageing otherwise good. The silver case in excellent condition with little sign of damage, good colour. The compass working well, finding north easily, though the instrument, as usual with dry card compasses, should be held level.

The travel case structurally sound with good colour, the fabric interior in good order with much of its original vibrancy and colour, the gold block logogram worn in parts.

Comments: Though not hallmarked, the engine-turned case tests for silver of high purity. This is a very rare pattern, occasionally seen in lacquered brass cased instruments, but this is the first rendition in silver that I have seen, and a measure of its quality to combine it with the Whiteside-Cook pattern.

Complete in very original and attractive condition, an ideal gift or piece for the collector alike.