A very unusual and attractive silver fronted heart shaped desk or side table barometer by Henry Matthews, Birmingham c1899

Desk barometer having 2¼” white transfer printed enamel dial, the outer altitude ring calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 5,000ft divided down to 100ft, the inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 26” – 31” divided to 1/10”. Blued steel pointer, bezel set glass-applied index, gilt reflector ring, under bevelled glass.

Standard Vidie pattern movement driven from a single 1¼” nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring, all contained within a ribbed semi-barrel form bright plated case, pendant and bow. Compensation port to verso.

Presented in a heart form, leather over timber, green silk and velvet lined strut case, the front face cased in hallmarked silver repoussé mask of intricate pierced floral and scroll design, vacant cartouche, hallmarks for Henry Matthews, Birmingham and 1899. The verso with fold out easel stand. Snap closure on a button release.

Condition: The subject of a full mechanical overhaul and re-calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart. The movement with good progression and easily acceptable accuracy.

The barometer dial having some very fine hairline flaws and a small chip to the outer edge by the 31” mark; the glass clear. The bright plated case retaining almost all its original plating, minor hazing to verso.

The sterling silver repoussé mask crisp and appearing undamaged, some perforations noted. The leather exterior with some losses, general wear, the silk and velvet linings sound and bright.

Comments: The barometer, sometimes paired with what is known as a Goliath watch, is in itself not particularly uncommon. However this piece, as presented in its silver repoussé masked heart shaped case, presents in an entirely different league, the design and craftsmanship contributing to an aesthetically very attractive item, suited to a desk or dressing table.

A wonderful and very thoughtful gift for someone special!

Henry Matthews was a Birmingham-based silversmith with premises on Vittoria Street, famous for being part of the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham. Matthews, who worked between 1894 and 1930, was noted for his small silver items that required great attention to detail.