Hi...
I am not selling this or st least not yet. ?ÿBut I was hoping I could some help figuring out what it is. ?ÿTo be frank, I think it is a Theodolite made in Japan...but I am new to this wonderful craftsmanship.
It has either Japanese or Chinese characters. A six pointed star with "EK" inside of the star.
It is small with a small military "type" case.
The base is a single point "quick- connect".
Any ideas/help spotless be greatly appreciated!
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Looks like a theodolite.
Keep it, it's only real value has been blissfully and honestly presented.
They are cool pieces of the technology that built the modern world, and you've got a cool discovery adventure to find out what who when where it was used.
I'm leaning towards Japanese.
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Thank you for sharing!
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The division of the circle into 32 parts is unusual - not a nice multiple of degrees or mils.?ÿ The 32 is reminiscent of a nautical compass rose.
If you look closely you can tell the circle has 64 divisions, with a reverse scale for measuring deflection. It is undoubtedly an aiming circle graduated in mils. It would be used for 'laying in' or orienting mortars or artillery. Probably much more value to a military collector than a surveyor.
I was noticing the vertical (zenith) calibrations are from +5 to -5 as well.?ÿ Like the horizontal, those don't look like degrees either.?ÿ I'm guessing it could be for spotting a mortar shot with tables tell where the settings will place it.?ÿ Are there 3 horizontal sight wires in the scope?
pretty evident that it??s an aiming circle/ orienting device. MILs and meters are pretty universal for putting steel on target. The 990 units / main graduation on the one micrometer knob are interesting. I??d guess the silver lever in the 4th photo is the needle locking ?ÿ ?ÿLever for declinating it. The 2 round / oval windows on the base between the standards probably let light into the. Compass box.?ÿ
it doesn??t look Ike there is enough travel in the vertical circle to do Simo obs, Polaris Kochab, or high burst registration. Just float the needle, lay the piece, and hang rounds.
@dave-o Hi...no wires. ?ÿIt is an Aiming Circle as one of the others mentioned. ?ÿThank you for taking time to reply! ?ÿGreatly appreciated!
@rankin_file Hi... ?ÿIt is an Aiming Circle as one of the others mentioned. ?ÿThank you for taking time to reply! ?ÿGreatly appreciated!