A very good silver pocket barometer altimeter thermometer and Singer’s style compass compendium by C.W. Dixey no. 1753 in double-sided leather travel case c1884

Pocket barometer having silvered and engraved stepped dial with outer barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 20” – 31” divided down to 1/10th, inner altimetric scale with a range from 0ft – 12,000ft divided down to 100ft, the inset marked with standard meteorological terms, signed by the maker “C.W. Dixey & Son, Opticians to the Queen,” and address “3 New Bond St, London,” together with serial no. “1753.” Semi circular thermometer to lower part, the register calibrated in Fahrenheit with a range from 10° – 150°, divided to 2°. The Vidie pattern movement driven from a single ¾” nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring raised over a stepped chassis. Blued steel pointer, bevelled glass, barb index set from rotating bezel.

Screw fitting compass with full diameter hand-decorated mother of pearl floating card on jewelled suspension, displaying cardinal and intercardinal points, Singer trademark star and lyre to north. Bezel mounted transit lock.

All set within a silver drum form case having engine turned finishers, hallmarks for sterling silver, 1884 and silversmith “W.S” to pendant and bow.

Presented in its original burgundy leather over timber, cream silk and blue velvet lined double-sided clam shell case, C.W. Dixey details to lid silk, snap closure on a button release.

Condition: The barometer the subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test, the movement achieving commendable accuracy with good sensitivity and progression.

Generally very good to fine overall, the barometer dial with some signs of ageing, minor marks though generally bright and clean, the compass swinging freely, easily finding North, the transit lock working correctly. The thermometer with unbroken thread and reading to within 1°F tested at 76°F.

The silver case bright and clean with minor marks and very light abrasions, both barometer and compass glasses clear. The compass section unscrews and remounts correctly. The bezel rotates smoothly with correct resistance. The leather travel case structurally sound, external leather with good colour and shine, minor losses to sharp edges, the leather locally replaced. The C.W Dixey stamped lid silk faded and aged, the blue velvet retaining much of its original vibrancy. Both catches locking positively. One lid with silver plate bearing initials “H.T.F.”

Comments: These beautiful instruments were made to a pattern in very small numbers within a short period of time, the plain case being particularly unusual. As pocket compendia go this is an instrument that is clearly set well ahead of most others of similar configuration – most are lacquered brass and do not approach the quality of making of this piece.

Complete, working well and in very good condition, this is most definitely a very desirable collector’s piece.