A Victorian gilt brass aneroid pocket barometer with altimeter scale J. Hicks, London, late 19th century With 1.75 inch circular silvered register signed J. HICKS, MAKER, LONDON, 5493 beneath Compensated to centre within concentric scale calibrated for barometric inches divided into twentieths and annotated with the usual weather observations within fixed outer scale calibrated in feet from 0 to 10000 and divided for 100 foot intervals, the frosted gilt pocket watch type case with steel altimeter setting pointer fitted to the inside edge of the rotating bezel beneath suspension ring, diameter 5cm (2ins); with original blue velvet lined red morocco leather cover ed protective outer case, diameter 6cm (2.25in approx.). James Joseph Hicks is recorded in Banfield, Edwin BAROMETER MAKERS AND RETAILERS 1660-1900 as working from Hatton Garden, London from 1861 until after 1900. He was a committed Catholic who presented various meteorological instruments to the Vatican receiving the title of Knight Commander of St. Gregory for his services.