Pocket barometer having 1⅞“ silvered and engraved dial, the outer part with altimetric scale calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 20,000ft, the inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 15 to 31. The upper part marked “Compensated,” the lower signed by the maker “Negretti & Zambra, London” and serial no. “6412.” Blued steel pointer, the bevelled glass maintained within a rotating bezel with associated index. 1” capsule driven conventional movement tensioned on a coil spring. Decorated chassis. 

All contained within a solid silver barrel form case, the circumference engraved “James Wilson.  In memoriam G.W.M. Umritzur. 23 : Sep : 1874.”

The verso with armorial crest having accompanying legend “Omnia Vincit Amor” (love conquers all). Calibration via rotating verso, locked and released on a fine screw.

The whole contained within its unusual diamond grained brown leather over timber, green velvet and silk lined travel case. The lid silk with Negretti & Zambra logo in gold block, stating Instrument makers to Her Majesty” with Queen Victoria’s Royal Warrant. Gold block initials to lid “J.W.” Snap closure on a button release.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart. The movement working well and exceptionally so between 26 and 31 inches. 

The barometer in very much above average condition, the dial essentially crisp, slight radial mark only visible in critical light. The silver case dent free but with minor marks and abrasions. Good colour to silk and velvet. The leather case structurally sound with good shine, losses to edges.  

Comments: Silver barometers by this maker from this period are rare. This particular example would have been very expensive at the time, and its historical connections set it apart from others. It must be considered unusual.

Despite much research, we have been unable to identify James Wilson or GWM at this time. Umritzur, or Umritsar, is modern day Amritsar, an important seat of Sikh history and culture, in the Punjab region of India, very close to the border with Pakistan.

Very much a lot for the collector or connoisseur.

Dimensions: 2½” diameter x 1” deep

Stock No: PB1726

Price: SOLD