Unusual Pocket Barometer Altimeter Retailed by Bailey c.1900

An unusual and attractive bright plated pocket aneroid barometer altimeter retailed by Bailey, Birmingham c.1900. Pocket barometer having 1¾”enamel dial, silvered and die struck brass bezel operated altitude scale calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 8,000ft divided to 100ft, inner barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 23” – 31” divided down to 1/20”, standard meteorological terms. The lower part signed by the retailer “R. Bailey, 14 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham,” and marked “Compensated.” Blued steel pointer, bevelled glass. Good quality conventional Vidie movement driven from a 1” nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring. The whole contained within a ribbed semi barrel form case, pendant and bow, calibration port to verso. Displayed  in its original green and oxblood leather over timber, green velvet and silk lined presentation case, snap closure on a button release. Condition: The subject of a full service, conservation, and calibration under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test, the movement working well across the dial’s stated range with accepted small errors. The instrument in generally very good condition. The dial appears undamaged and clean, some losses to retailer’s details. The bright plated case retaining virtually all its original finish. The presentation case with some losses to leather covering, remaining structurally sound, the interior fabric remaining essentially sound, bright and vibrant. The lid silk perished locally at edge of case impression. Comments: Unsigned, but almost certainly by Francis Barker, one of the preeminent makers of barometers at the time, predominantly for the trade. An unusual piece and particularly so with its original presentation case. An ideal gift or for the collector alike.