A good quality aneroid pocket barometer altimeter made for Dollond by Short & Mason No 52474 c1924

Pocket barometer having 1¾” silvered and die struck dial, the outer bezel driven altimetric 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” and divided to 1/20th, the upper part struck with serial “No 52474,” the lower “Dollond, London.” Bevelled glass, blued steel pointer.

Conventional well executed Vidi pattern movement driven from a single improved pattern flux welded 1⅛” capsule, the chassis struck with Short & Mason “S&M” logogram. All contained within a shortened brass barrel form ribbed case, suspension post with pinned bow, calibration port to verso.

Together with its correct oxblood leather over timber, blue silk and velvet 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 from dynamic test.

The dial clean and crisp with some fairly uniform signs of ageing, the bezel moving with appropriate resistance, the brass case retaining most original lacquer, minor marks and slight wear. The leather travel case structurally sound, the leather covering generally worn with some marks scuffing and abrasions, the button leather replaced.

Comments: This is quite an important instrument from a research point of view, clearly demonstrating the white labelling that was common place in the general production of these instruments – the dial showing Dollond, but the movement marked Short & Mason. Maker’s marks on movements are rare, but, for a short period in the first quarter of the 20th century, Short & Mason applied their logogram to movement chassis.

Overall this is a really very good instrument in much above average condition. Absolutely a collector’s piece.