Nikko Pilot Balloon Theodolite
This theodolite model dates from World War II. It is from Japan made in 1943. It is similar in appearance and function to the British Watts Mark B of the 1930's
The Nikko has lighting a fixed focus telescope, dual azimuth and elevation readouts, and uses positively engaging tangent screws with a linked engaging mechanism. So both screws are engaged or disengaged with a linked switch.
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In the photo above right you can see the linked tangent screw engagement switch. This model is very different in design and function from the Tamaya instrument of the same period. Elevation, including the micrometer drum can be viewed from the rear of the instrument as well as the front, there are two azimuth circle windows as well, however the azimuth micrometer can only be viewed from the eyepiece side of the instrument.
| Drive Type | Tangent Screw | Compass | No |
| Display Type | Micrometer
to .1 degree |
Levels | 1, bubble tube |
| Main Telescope | 40 mm 20x | Mounting | Tribrach |
| Finder Telescope | No | Illumination | 3, incandescent, scales reticule |
| Gun Site | Yes 1, main telescope | Weight |