Description

U.S. NAVY TELESCOPIC STADIMETER, American, c. 1942, signed on plaques “Schick, Inc., Stamford, Conn.” and “U.S. Navy-Bu. Ships, #2244 – 1942,” and “Repaired by Boston Naval Shipyard.” This elaborate distance measuring device, 10-3/4″ (27 cm) overall, is made of brass with black crinkle, clear lacquer, and plated finishes, with a shaped mahogany handle. It works something like a sextant but limited to small angular separations, and with readout directly in distance rather than in angle. One sets the size of a known object (ship height or length, e.g.) on one scale (from 50 to 200 feet), and turns a calibrated micrometer knob until coincident images give the distance away in yards (from 200 to infinity). It is a rather sophisticated form of distance ranger, in fine condition, equipped with three legs, twin mirrors, spare mirror, scale magnifier, large-light-gathering-power telescope, and original fitted mahogany case. This is a very good example of the innovative form developed in the 1890’s by Lieutenant Bradley Allen Fiske.