A fine silver travel barometer retailed by JC Vickery of Regent Street, London with case by Gourdel Vales c1900 bearing a baron’s coronet

Travel barometer having 1¾” white enamel dial, the barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 26 –  31, meteorological terms “Stormy, Rain, Change, Fair, Very-Dry,” blued steel pointer, the reflector ring with index operated by rotating engine turned bezel set with a bevelled crystal. 1″ capsule driven movement tensioned on a C spring, all contained within a lacquered heavy brass case, the movement unsigned but most probably by Short & Mason.

Drum form silver outer case having silver hallmarks to the circumference, the verso with calibration port. The lid with gilt interior and bearing the monogram, baron’s coronet surmounting “A”, by repute belonging to Baron Arlington, with date “1905” under, the circumference struck with silver hallmarks for the silversmith Gourdel Vales & Co and bearing the inscription of the retailer, JC Vickery, 179,181 & 183, Regent Street, W.

The Gourdel, Valès and Co company was founded in Paris in 1827 and specialised in creating silver and imitation jewellery. They exhibited their pieces at the 1851 Great Exhibition and established a London branch in 1857. The company closed its doors in 1939. John Collard Vickery was an important and successful player in the retail side of the gold and silversmithing business in the early 20th century, obtaining a number of Royal Warrants.

These instruments, designed for occasional transport, probably more frequently gifts and keepsakes, are very hard to find in good order. The subject of detailed extensive servicing and re-calibration, it is now in good working order with very acceptable accuracy with good progression. The fabric material replaced inside the silver case, this ensures a snug fit for the instrument at the same time affording occasional removal if required. The silver hallmarks to the lower case rather faint but recognisable, those to the lid well struck and with good clarity. The silver case with some areas of very slight distortion only visible in critical lighting, minor scratches and some very small pits. These defects are listed but to all intents and purposes the instrument appears crisp and clean. The dial clean and bright, without damage or restoration as so many enamel dials have had. Re-calibrated under laboratory test conditions, see performance chart.

A lovely item for the collector or connoisseur alike, and of course the ideal gift.