A scarce antique miniature silver pocket barometer altimeter, compass and thermometer travelling compendium with cases by Lewis Nightingale c1895

Pocket barometer altimeter having 1⅜” silvered and engraved dial with a barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury and a range from 21 – 31, stations at 1000s and divided to10ths, associated bezel driven altitude scale with a range from 0- 10,000 feet, stations at 1000s and divided to 100. The upper part marked with standard meteorological terms, “Rain,” “Change,” “Fair” and “Compensated.” Fine blued steel pointer set beneath a bevelled glass. Good quality conventional movement driven by a single 1″ capsule. Barrel form case with engine turned verso, vacant cartouche to centre, hallmarks for the silversmith Lewis Nightingale and 1895 to radius, extension post and suspension ring.

Compass having ¾” silvered card marked with cardinals and intercardinals, compass rose to centre, polished steel bar needle, gem stone suspension, plain barrel form case with extension post, suspension ring and crown-operated lock. Hallmarks for Lewis Nightingale and 1895. The mercurial thermometer set to an ivory register having twin scales in Centigrade and Fahrenheit with ranges from 0 – 40 and 40 – 110 degrees respectively. 

All contained within the original avocado shaped moroccan leather over timber imperial purple velvet lined travelling case with fold-out lid, easel stand and decorated brass catch.

Condition: The pocket barometer altimeter the subject of a full service and calibration and careful conservation, all the instruments remain in good original working order. The silver cases in good order with minimal marks and signs of handling. The travelling case generally in rather poor condition with some leather lacking to the exterior, further abrasions and losses, the fabric interior though sound is faded with marks losses and wear.

Comments: A scarce compendium, the contents in overall crisp condition. These miniature pocket barometers are not often seen, hence the compendium’s inclusion here despite the condition of the travelling case.

An attractive and much less than common compendium with cases by a premier silversmith. A desirable and collectable piece.