Item NA24 - Stuart’s “Distance Meter.”
An
unusual nautical instrument to be sure, this device features a telescopic lens
that looks through a split prism and that is adjusted until the two halves of an
image are separated according to the size of the image set on the horizontal
brass scale. At this point, the distance from the observer (in tenths of a
nautical mile –cables) can be read from the calibration lines on the ivory-like
plate. The back of the instrument contains a table that can be filled in the
known ships and their dimension so that distances to these ships can be
calculated (as in keeping position in a convoy or battle formation). This was
patented in 1895 by “Stuart.” The maker of this not marked on it, but it is
“No. 158.” It is in its original fitted box and in excellent condition save
only a little black paint loss from the heavy brass and zinc (?) body. Fine
Price - $250.00
RETURN to forsale list.