A Complete 19th Century Necessaire Alpin (Compass, Barometer, Thermometer).

This rare set was made by J. Lizars from Glasgow during the 19th century for mountain climbers. It contains a compass, barometer-altimeter and a thermometer, all cased together in an egg shaped leather case. The barometer and altimeter were compensated for temperature. The dial has a revolving indicator bezel, calibrated 0 – 8000 feet for the altimeter and 23 – 31 inches of mercury for the barometer. The Ivory scale thermometer filled with red alcohol, measures 6 cm long and 1 cm wide and scaled in Centigrade and Fahrenheit. The compass is 2.5 cm in diameter. The three instruments are nestled in fitted compartments lined with green velvet. The case closes with a "fleur de lis" catch and has a small stand in the back. John Lizars was born around 1810 and died in 1879. In 1830, he founded the Lizars business in 12 Glassford Street Glasgow Over time they produced different instruments some of which are telescopes, microscopes, barometers, magic lanterns, cameras, stereo cameras and viewers, etc.