A very unusual japanned aluminium aneroid barometer altimeter no. 8807 by Yanagi c1950

Barometer having 3” printed alloy dial, the outer bezel set altitude scale calibrated in metres with a range from 0 – 1,400m divided to 10m. Inner barometric scale calibrated in mmHg with a range from 66mm – 79mm divided down to 1mm, the upper part marked (in Japanese), Portable Barometer, the lower signed by the maker, Yanagi Works Company Ltd, with serial no 8807.

Generally accepted aneroid barometer movement, based on the original design by Vidie, driven from a single soldered 50mm capsule, bright plated cock and primary lever with temperature compensation and fine gain adjustments, the spindle with static mass and course gain adjustment, the movement raised of a light alloy circular chassis.

All contained within a drum form japanned aluminium case, pendant and bow, calibration port to verso. Original calibration certificate dated September 1950. Together with its original tan leather carry case and strap.

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

Generally crisp, the dial clean and damage free, the aluminium case retaining virtually all its original black finish, the carry case structurally sound with good colour.

Comments: The Yanagi ships barometer, known for its uncompromising excellence, is relatively common place. This smaller sized ‘portable’ aneroid is decidedly unusual, it might be that they occur more frequently in the Far East however this is only the second such example we have encountered in the West.

This is a very well executed instrument. It differs in a couple of small details from European comparables: the bezel is retained by hardened brass leaf springs running in a circumferential groove around the case mouth; the movement has a quintessentially and very obviously different appearance from Western made counterparts.

A very interesting and unusual item of good quality. A collector’s piece.