A very good gilt brass aneroid barometer altimeter No 12357 by Short & Mason, London, c1899

Pocket barometer having 1⅞” silvered and die struck dial, scales calibrated in feet, the outer bezel set altimetric scale with a range from 0 – 5,000ft and divided to 20ft, inner barometric scale with a range from 26” – 31” divided to 1/10th”, the upper part marked Compensated,” the lower signed by the maker “Short & Mason Ltd, 40 Hatton Garden, London,” and serial no. “12357,” blued steel pointer, bevelled glass.

1st quality Vidi movement inscribed with date of manufacture on the cock, “12/5/99,” driven from a single 1” capsule tensioned on a C spring, the chassis further inscribed a/6C.” Set within a typical Short & Mason gilt brass semi barrel-form case, extension post and suspension ring, calibration port to verso.

All contained within its original burgundy leather over timber, blue velvet and cream silk lined clam shell 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 over the standard barometric range.

Generally very good, the dial crisp, bright and vibrant, the case lacquer with streaks to verso, minor losses and wear overall. The leather case structurally sound, crisp and clean, minor losses, some damage to lid top at extreme edge. The fabric interior with signs of ageing and some discolouration to lid silk though still retaining a good proportion of its original vibrancy.

Comments: A prolific maker, and for a while making some of the finest instruments available, Short & Mason continued as a mainstay in making for both the specialist and mass market alike, often making for other retailers. This instrument was made during a period when the company made some of their best instruments.

Very much a collector’s piece.