A rare silver cased bi–metallic miniature pocket thermometer retailed by Pillischer, London with case by Albert Thomas Oliver c1922

Pocket thermometer having 1¼” silvered and die struck dial, the register with dual concentric scales calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius with corresponding ranges 0° – 140° and -10° to 60°, signed by the retailer, “Pillischer, London.” Full azimuth crown-operated red triangle index. Blued steel pointer, bevelled glass.

The bi-metallic movement arranged between twin plates contained within a semi barrel form silver case, hallmarks for sterling silver, “g” for 1922 and “ATO” for Albert Thomas Oliver to verso, and “CH” for Charles Hill to extension post.

Presented with its original burgundy leather over timber, green silk and velvet lined case, the lid silk having Pillischer logogram in gold block. Snap closure on a button release.

Condition: The instrument working very well and appears pretty accurate, the silver case with good polish, hallmarks well-struck. No visible dents. Very crisp dial, the glass damage free. The travel case structurally sound, the catch and hinge intact, the button a replacement. Good external colour and polish. The fabric interior with some fading though essentially clean and retaining much original vibrancy of colour.

Comments: For some reason these instruments are really quite rare. It may be that mercurial thermometers were generally considered more accurate – in most instances this was rather unfair since these instruments were really very accurate and, of course, far less likely to be broken.  

Aesthetically attractive, nicely hallmarked, and very original condition marks this as a collector’s piece of some merit.