1915-16 Paris World War I French Aviation Altimeter by Naudet et Cie

A vintage French aviation altimeter, crafted circa 1915-16, is a rare find from the esteemed Naudet et Cie. This premier instrument features a silvered brass dial with dual concentric scales, the outer ranging from 0 to 4000 meters with 200-meter intervals and 10-meter resolution, the last 1500 meters marked in red. The inner scale measures 56-78 cm of mercury. The dial bears the 'Naudet & Cie', 'PHNB' logo, 'Paris', serial number '1142', and 'Aviation Militaire'. A broad blued-steel pointer is set beneath beveled glass. The high-quality brass capsule movement offers full adjustment and Naudet pattern compensation. Housed in a drum-pattern case, it has a top-mounted stem, altitude ring adjustment crown, and a compensation screw at 4 o'clock.

• Dial: Cream-colored, silvered bronze face with Arabic numerals, blued iron hands, inscribed with 'Naudet & Cie. PNHB Paris 1142 Aviation Militaire'
• Weight: 630 grams, equivalent to 1.38 pounds
• Dimensions: Diameter - 4.5 inches, Depth - 2.02 inches (11.43 x 5.13 cm)
• References: Featured in Bonhams New York auction, January 19-29, 2021, Lot-10
• Historical Note: Likely owned by a member of the 103rd or 94th Aero Squadrons, similar to Captain James Norman Hall's altimeter (no. 1149)
• Rarity: Estimated fewer than 10 pieces of this model exist
• Naudet & Co. History: Established in Paris, 1860, specializing in barometers and altimeters, active during WWI and WWII, leading French manufacturer with 150+ years of expertise