A fine and interesting aneroid pocket barometer altimeter by Stanley, London, No 19123, engraved to Thomas Williams from Gorseinon Colliery, c1914

Pocket barometer having 1¾” silvered and die struck dial, the outer bezel actuated altimetric scale calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 10,000ft divided down to 50ft, the inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 21″ – 31″ divided to 1/20″, the upper part with standard meteorological terms and marked “Compensated,” the lower signed “Stanley, Gt. Turnstile, London.” Blued steel pointer, bevelled glass.

First quality movement no. “19123” driven from a single 1¼” nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring. Contained within a semi barrel form case with engine turned finishers, extension post and suspension ring the verso with calibration port and engraved “Presented to Thomas Williams, Esq, by the Officials of the Mountain Colliery, Gorseinon, February 1914.”

Presented in its correct burgundy leather over timber, green silk and velvet lined travel 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 across the scale, sensitive with good progression, see performance chart.

Generally very good condition, the dial near perfect, very slight loss to altitude ring. The brass case retaining virtually all its original lacquer, minor losses to verso. The travel case with a good external lustre, structurally sound, positive snap closure, the fabric interior interior with much of its original vitality, minimal deterioration.

Comments: A really lovely example of this type of instrument. In all respects this is highly collectable and additionally interesting with the attractive and interesting provenance to the verso.

Thomas Williams was the owner of four collieries, three in Glamorgan and one in Carmarthenshire. His son, Sir Evan Williams, Bt, took over the family company in 1913, and it is likely therefore that this pocket barometer was a retirement present from the Mountain Colliery officials to a fellow mine owner.

Very much a collector’s piece, and very hard to find in this condition.