A Victorian / Edwardian silver cased aneroid pocket barometer with altimeter scale. With 1.75 inch circular silvered register signed C. ASPREY / 165 & 166. / LONDON” beneath “Improved Scale / Compensated and stamped registration number 149175 within concentric scale calibrated for barometric inches divided into tenths and annotated with the usual weather observations within rotating outer scale, stamped with registration number, and calibrated in feet from 0 to 10000 and divided for 50 foot intervals, the pocket watch type case with suspension ring enclosing knurled crown for adjustment of the altimeter scale, marks for London,’F. , 1902, diameter 2 inches (5cm). The instrument appears to respond to variation in air pressure (has been bag tested) and but may require calibration. We have not examined the’workings’. The case is generally in good original condition with a few minor scuffs and scratches, and two small dings to the edge of the case. The bezel adjustment screw/crown (within the suspension ring) is in working order. Or the person who has everything: essential for establishing one’s bearings whilst navigating the afternoon slopes of St. James’s, in London, the tea plantations of Assam, the’drawing-rooms of Simla, the foothills of the Himalayas or the high passes of Rockies. Be prepared: the calibrations of the outer ring actually run from sea-level to 10,000 feet. The firm of Charles Asprey and Sons was originally founded as a silk printing business in Mitcham Surrey by William Asprey in 1781. Charles Asprey relocated the business to London in 1841 to form a partnership with Francis Kennedy, a stationer based at 46 Bond Street. This partnership lasted until 1843 after which the business was continued by Charles Asprey alone until he took in his son, also called Charles, and relocated to 166 Bond Street in 1847. In 1872 the business name was changed to’Asprey and Son’ followed by’Asprey and Sons’ in 1879 when his other son, George Edward, joined the firm. The name changed again to’C. Asprey’ in 1888 before finally becoming’Asprey and Company’ in 1900: the dial for current piece was apparently created shortly before the final name change, but the piece was not completed until 1902 (the hallmark date on the case). The item “Victorian / Edwardian Silver Asprey Barker Pocket Barometer Altimeter 1902″ is in sale since Sunday, August 09, 2015. This item is in the category “Antiques\Science & Medicine (Pre-1930)\Scientific Instruments\Barometers”. The seller is “wrightantiques” and is located in New Hartford, Connecticut. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Maker: Asprey Barker
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Period: 1902
