Askania Werke - Bambergwerk, Belin-Friedenau Ballon Theodolit
This German Pilot Balloon Theodolite is 1940's vintage. It has two separate telescopes systems, unlike its American or British contemporaries. The theodolite has two vertical circles (200 degree arcs) and two vernier sets allowing it to be read from the front by the observer or from the back by a second person.
This instrument was acquired in 2004 from a collector in Sweden.
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In the photo above shows the verniers for elevation and azimuth, the lighting unit for these scales has been removed.
A similar instrument is in the collection of Mr. Wilhelm Heger. It can be viewed at here. Mr. Heger's Gt1 has a serial number of 360xxx and this unit 571xxx so this example would be built after 1942. In addition this instrument has a different prism housing then Mr. Heger's
| Drive Type | Friction/Worm | Compass | No |
| Display Type | Vernier to .1 degree | Levels | 1, top, bubble tube |
| Main Telescope | 40 mm 16 x | Mounting | Three level screws |
| Finder Telescope | 13.5mm
3x single eyepiece |
Illumination | 2x scales & 1 reticule |
| Gun Site | Yes 1, main telescope | Weight | 3kg |