Alidade Parts and Operation
This is my K&E alidade. Serial No. 57440. Hopefully some of you older guys can answer my questions.
1. There is no fixed scale on the blade, but there appears to have been something taped on the beveled edge at one time. Were scales replaceable depending upon what scale you wanted to use?
2. Did the zero end of the scale start at the far eyepiece end and therefore giving you more length? Was the zero point on the scale the pivot point?
3. The vernier on the side has “HOR” on the left and “VERT.” on the right. When the scope is horizontal, the vernier is at 30. One part of the vernier is graduated 0 – 90, another is 80 – 100 in both directions. I do not understand the horizontal aspect in regard to a horizontal circle since the alidade is fixed.
4. What are the two brass knobs at the center of the ends used for?
5. Any idea as to the age? The patent date says September 21, 1915.
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