A scarce engine turned silver cased aneroid pocket barometer by James Pitkin, London c1876

Silver pocket barometer having 1¾” silvered and engraved, engine divided dial, outer crown operated altitude ring calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 7,000ft divided down to 100ft, inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 24” -31” divided to 1/20th”. The upper part signed by the maker “Jas Pitkin, Maker,” the lower marked “London” and “Compensated.” Blued steel pointer, bevelled glass.

The conventional Vidi pattern movement driven from a single 1⅛” nickel silver cell tensioned on a coil spring. All contained within a good quality semi-barrel form case with engine turned verso rotating for calibration, the centre with vacant cartouche. The stem with hallmark “A” for 1876, and indecipherable maker’s hallmark, crown and suspension bow.

Presented in its correct oxblood leather over timber, blue silk and dark navy 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.

The dial clean and bright with good resolution to divisions and annotations, some minor marks noted at 12 o’clock position. The silver case remaining crisp and essentially damage free, showing slight wear generally. The crown activated altitude ring moving freely. The travel case structurally sound with good external colour, the lid silk replaced with near identical material to the original, the velvet lining showing wear to hard edges but generally with good colour.

Comments: A rare piece from this maker, the silver case only adding to the collectability of this aesthetically attractive instrument. Working well and in very collectable condition.