Pocket barometer having 1¾” die-struck silvered dial, outer crown driven altitude ring with a scale from 0 – 10,000 feet, divided to 50ft increments, inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 21 – 31. The upper part annotated “Rain, Change, Fair” and “Compensated.” Blued steel pointer all set beneath a bevelled glass. Conventional 1″ capsule driven movement tensioned on a C spring, dated “11.01.01” and initialled “WB” All contained within a semi-barrel form case, the verso set with movement mounting screws and calibration port. Case extension and suspension ring.

Complete with its correct oxblood leather over timber, cream silk and imperial purple velvet lined case, snap closure on a button release.

Constructed in aluminium, these instruments were a premium price and mostly made to special order, often sought by balloonists, mountaineers and hikers for their noticeably lesser weight than their brass-cased counterparts. This instrument, having been the subject of servicing and calibration under laboratory conditions, benefits from good sensitivity and step-less progression, much better than average levels of accuracy, see performance chart below. The dial crisp and clean, operation of altitude ring is smooth and precise. The aluminium case with good polish, some minor marks, the crystal with some minor scratches. The leather case with minor abrasions only, structurally sound with good colour, the fabric interior with excellent colour, the cream silk slightly aged.

These are lovely instruments. In 1901, this would have been the had-to-have object – aluminium was very much in its infancy as an everyday material, and this combination was indeed highly prized.

Appearing infrequently on the market, these fine pocket barometers were clearly made to exacting standards. Those examined have all shown much better than average results on test. The initials on the movement, “WB,” have appeared on at least two other Short & Mason pocket barometers.

A very collectable and most attractive instrument.

Dimensions: 3″ long x 2½” wide x 1″ deep

Stock No: PB1224

Price: SOLD