My grandfather served in the Royal Australian Air Force through WWII, initially as a mechanic. He was stationed in New Guinea for a significant period of time. After returning he gave my father an altimeter from some kind of military aircraft, which my he then passed on to me. My father didn't ask any details about the instrument, unfortunately.
I've recently been wondering about it - I'd like to know what type of aircraft it came from, if that is possible.
On the back, it has printed:
F.S.S.C. NO. 88-A-340
MFR'S PART NO: 1583-2Q-A
CONTRACT NO: 93190
MFR'S SER. NO: 17407
BENDIX AVIATION CORPORATION
PIONEER
REG. U.S. PAT. OFF
I suspect it is a US Navy Altimeter because I've found this (link), which appears to be an installation manual of some kind. That site says the booklet was "Issued by the Bureau of Aeronautics - U.S Navy . F.S.S.C. No. 88-A-340" This intrigues me, since to my knowledge my grandfather and his squadron dealt exclusively with Australian aircraft.
Also, is it likely that this altimeter has been treated with radium? Occasionally I've thought the numbers and hands faintly glow in the dark, but it's hard to be sure.
I'm new to this site so I hope this is the right place for this question.
I've recently been wondering about it - I'd like to know what type of aircraft it came from, if that is possible.
On the back, it has printed:
F.S.S.C. NO. 88-A-340
MFR'S PART NO: 1583-2Q-A
CONTRACT NO: 93190
MFR'S SER. NO: 17407
BENDIX AVIATION CORPORATION
PIONEER
REG. U.S. PAT. OFF
I suspect it is a US Navy Altimeter because I've found this (link), which appears to be an installation manual of some kind. That site says the booklet was "Issued by the Bureau of Aeronautics - U.S Navy . F.S.S.C. No. 88-A-340" This intrigues me, since to my knowledge my grandfather and his squadron dealt exclusively with Australian aircraft.
Also, is it likely that this altimeter has been treated with radium? Occasionally I've thought the numbers and hands faintly glow in the dark, but it's hard to be sure.
I'm new to this site so I hope this is the right place for this question.