A very unusual and interesting boxed aneroid silver pocket barometer by James Hicks, presented by the maker to RJ Robson c1894

Silver pocket barometer having 1½” silvered and die struck dial, the outer crown operated altimetric scale calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 5,000ft divided down to 50ft, the inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 26” – 31” divided down to 1/20th”, blued steel pointer, flat glass.

The Vidie pattern movement driven from a single 1” capsule and tensioned on a C spring, chassis marked with serial no. “9,099.” All contained within a semi barrel-form case. The verso with calibration port, hallmarks for sterling silver, London, and 1894, and silversmith “JS&S,” and inscription “Presented by J.J. Hicks to R.J. Robson March 23, 1897.” Extension post, crown and bow.

Together with a very attractive and contemporary flip-up bedside travel box, japanned soft wood carcass, brass inlay to lid, vacant cartouche, the interior lined with blue watermarked silk and velvet. Sprung inner tray assuming a viewing position when lid open. Snap closure on a button release.

Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions. The movement working exceptionally well with a maximum error just in excess of 0.2” across the range, see performance chart. 

The dial very crisp and clean, the silver case with minor abrasions, some hazing, minor dent at extreme radius at about 8 o’clock, otherwise clean and presenting very well. Some wear to hallmarks and engraving, the maker’s mark obliquely struck. The bow and glass replaced, the former in 800 silver.

The travel case structurally sound, the exterior with some age cracking to japanned finish, a section of brass inlay replaced. Hinge, catch and sprung tray mechanically sound. The internal fabric with some marks, signs of ageing and general wear. The colour remaining acceptably good.

Comments: As a pocket barometer this is a good instrument – as a presentation piece by the maker this is exceptionally rare and particularly interesting, including the date and inscription to the verso. The unusual case sets the piece off well.

Very much a collectors piece.