Dating to the last quarter of the 19th century, this impressive surveying aneroid pocket barometer is signed “H. Hughes & Son, 59 Fenchurch St, London, Surveying Aneroid Compensated Rd. 149175” and was made by Francis Barker & Son for Hughes, as evidenced by the small FBS logo within the Trademark London triangle on the dial.

Interestingly, although the registered design number 149175 was awarded to Francis Barker in 1890, the small FBS logo stamped on the aluminium dial shows the S to be the correct way round, despite the fact that it had been reversed by the company after the death of Francis Barker senior in 1880. Whether this was simply a case of someone using the wrong punch or a conscious decision to revert to the original logo is not known, so any comments would be welcome.

Founded in 1838 by Henry Hughes and becoming H. Hughes & Son in 1875, the firm earned a reputation for precision instruments, including sextants, chronometers and barometers, used by mariners and the Royal Navy.

A high quality instrument, the barometric scale ranges from 26 to 31 inches, with an altimeter scale between zero to 5,000 feet and four additional inner scales calibrated for altitude, divided into 10 20,50 and 100 Feet intervals.

The case is made of gilded brass and in generally good condition with no dings or dents, with some tarnishing on the edge and underside (see photo). In good working order, a substantial instrument weighing just over 400 grams in its case, it measures 80 mm in diameter (excluding the stem) and 31 mm in depth.

It comes in its original partially restored leather case lined in black and green velvet, which is also in good cosmetic condition, with both hinge and catch in working order.