Keuffel & esser co aneroid barometer / altimeter. Definitely not my field of expertise but i will tell you what i know and what i have found from researching online. The marking on the barometer are as follows. The marking show that the barometer ranges from 18 to 31 inches and the altimeter ranges from 0 to 14,800 ft. The barometer measures 3″ across (diameter) and is 1 3/16″ thick. I tested the barometer (sealed bag trick) and the needle move with very little pressure. I’ve noticed that the needle has been moving daily regardless just with the changes that happen on a daily basis with the barometric pressure. The glass cover can be turned clockwise or counter clockwise but doesn’t pull free of the unit.
The mini magnifiying glass is on a separate brass ring and moves around the barometer as well but can be moved without the glass cover moving. The entire barometer looks to be made of brass and has a lacquer coating over the entire piece.. You can see the brass showing through on the edges and where the engraving was done. Over all the condition of this piece is great. I have to assume this one was, at one time, used on a train maybe to judge grades or altitudes while traveling.
The engraving of erie r. C1 was a dead giveaway. I found the below while doing some research. With this instrument, the user could measure atmospheric pressure (to forecast the weather), and this barometer was made in england for the us market. It’s really interesting to see keuffel & esser marked on the dial – this firm is considered one of america’s best scientific instrument makers. It was founded in 1867 by william j. Keuffel & herman esser and was operated from 79 nassau street in manhattan, new york, ny. Scientific instruments like barometers from this firm are few and far between!
Please ask questions if you need additional information and i will do my best to answer them.
The item “Vintage Keuffel & Esser Co Aneroid Barometer / Altimeter w/ Leather Case ERIE RR” is in sale since Sunday, February 02, 2014. This item is in the category “Antiques\Science & Medicine (Pre-1930)\Scientific Instruments\Barometers”. The seller is “drdcmd” and is located in Strongsville, Ohio. This item can only be shipped to United States.
