Silver pocket barometer with 1¾” silvered and engraved dial having a barometric range of 25–31 inches of mercury, outer rotating altitude ring calibrated in feet with a range from 0–6,000 feet. The upper dial annotated “Compensated” and “No 14,” the lower section further annotated “Kilpatrick & Co, Melbourne,” and “Made in England.” Fine blued steel pointer set beneath bevelled glass. Traditional first quality English open face watch style case by Albert Thomas Oliver of London with substantial pinned bow, back release to pillar, the cuvete with compensation port set at 260 degrees. The silver case copiously hallmarked for London, 1909, the year of manufacture, and “ATO” (Albert Thomas Oliver) to bow, rear cover inside and lower case inside. The verso finely engine turned with vacant cartouche. Good quality conventional single cell driven movement with bimetallic compensation by Short & Mason.

All contained within its original good quality cream silk and violet velvet lined black and burgundy Moroccan leather over wood case, button closure to front, retailer’s logo to inside lid. Original and extremely rare “Kew” verified calibration certificate, numbered to the instrument and showing tests in the range 25 -31 inches of mercury.

Silver pocket barometers are not uncommon – they are though amongst the most collected of their type. This aneroid instrument may be considered most desirable based on the makers, a collaboration between one of London’s finest case makers, Albert Thomas Oliver, and a leader in the manufacture of barometers, Short & Mason. As no. 14 of a contract placed by the Australian retailer Kilpatrick with Short & Mason, retaining its original calibration certificate and surviving in wonderful original condition with its original case in similar condition, this pocket barometer must be considered rare and very sought after.

The dial in near perfect original condition, the silver case with very minor depression to one side, some fine hazing, the movement in very good condition with excellent sensitivity and stepless progression. The leather case with signs of wear, minor abrasions, loss to leather over button. The silk to the lid showing deterioration. Dismantled, conserved and checked.

Overall a very scarce collector’s piece, particularly with the Australian connection.

Albert Thomas Oliver was a silversmith working in Clerkenwell, London, and specialising in gold and silver watch cases, from 1903 onwards, continuing the business of Richard James Oliver.

Kilpatrick & Co was a London-based jeweller who founded a presence in Australia in 1853,  and is recorded as working first at 20 Queen Street, Melbourne, and then, from 1855, at 39 Collins Street West, Melbourne.

Dimensions: 3″ wide x 1″ deep

Stock No: PB0397

Price: SOLD