A rare engine turned silver cased aneroid pocket barometer, altimeter, numbered Singer’s Patent compass and thermometer compendium for TB Winter c1875 

Pocket barometer having silvered and engraved stepped dial with outer bezel set altitude scale calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 8,000ft divided down to 50ft, inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 23” – 31” divided down to 1/20. The top inner with standard meteorological terms, signed “T.B. Winter, 21 Grey Street, Newcastle on Tyne,” the lower part marked “Compensated” surmounting curved thermometer, the register with Fahrenheit’s scale having a range from 10° – 140° divided down to 2°. Fine blued steel pointer under bevelled glass.

The well engineered Vidie 2nd pattern movement driven from a single 1” nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring. The verso with inset ⅞” Singer’s Patent compass no. “26035,” mother of pearl dry card on jewelled suspension, hand decorated with cardinal and intercardinal points, and Singer’s trademark star and lyre indicating north. Bezel mounted locking lever. The surround struck with silver hallmarks for London, 1875, and silversmith’s mark “TS&JM.” Barometer calibration port. The whole contained within a very fine engine turned silver case, silver hallmarked pendant and bow, vacant cartouche.

Presented in its original two tier leather over timber, blue velvet and cream silk lined case, snap closures on button releases.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test. The movement working well over the full range.

The compendium very fine. The leather case with some wear, structurally sound, the cream silk with some ageing, external colour with good shine and colour.

Comments: As pocket barometers go, this has to be one of the best I have had the privilege to examine. In all respects this is a truly beautiful piece for its originality, condition, rarity and wonderful aesthetic appeal, with the additional highlight of being one of the very last numbered Singer Patent compasses.

As an example of making for this class of instruments, this is one of the best.