Rare Rose Gold Hunter Cased Pocket Barometer by Barker No 1813 c.1913

A rare presentation 9ct rose gold hunter cased aneroid pocket barometer altimeter No 1813 by Francis Barker & Son Ltd retailed by Thomas Armstrong & Brother c1913. Rose gold pocket barometer having 1⅝” silvered and die struck dial, outer crown operated altitude ring calibrated in feet with a range from 0 – 10,000ft divided down to 50ft, the barometric scale calibrated in inches of mercury with a range from 21” – 31” divided down to 1/10”. The upper part with standard meteorological terms, further marked “Improved Scale” and “Compensated,” the lower part with retailer’s details, “Thomas Armstrong & Brother, Manchester” and serial no. “1813.” Blued steel pointer under bevelled glass. Conventional Vidie pattern movement driven from a single 1” nickel alloy capsule tensioned on a C spring, the bridge dated “3/13” (March 1913). All contained within a 9ct rose gold full hunter case, approximate weight 52 grams. The front cover with “JG” monogram, the inside engraved “Presented to Mr J. Grant, on his retirement from the G.C. Rly, by his many friends & colleagues, February 1913”, hallmarks for 9ct 375 gold with case maker’s mark for Francis Barker & Son Ltd” and 1913. Pendant, bow with further 9ct 375 gold hallmark and crown, the verso with calibration port. Presented in a leather over timber, deep blue silk and velvet 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 exceptionally well with more than acceptable accuracy. The dial about perfect, the rose gold case damage free, very faint marks and abrasions, light wear. The presentation in similar condition with good colour both internally and externally. Comments: A special order for what was then a very high quality and prestigious piece. These instruments very rarely appear in gold, and full hunter cased barometers might be considered scarce. Although research is ongoing, it is thought that this pocket barometer was presented to Mr Grant on his retirement from the Great Central Railway. He was obviously held in very high regard, as this would not have been an inexpensive gift at that time. All in all a spectacular pocket barometer with the added interest for those with an interest in our early railways.