That torch works a lot like a pop can camping stove. I made a few of them one time and used them on a backpacking trip. Worked like a charm.
Well, I'm confused...it sure looks like this, described as a "vintage antique wwii navy aircraft sextant keuffel sons type aero 1928". However, I see your's labeled as Keuffel & Esser Co. What do you think you have?
Used for measuring winds aloft using a weather ballon https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodolite http://web.csulb.edu/~mbrenner/marphoto.htm
Its not "guess what i have?". Its "wtf is this thing i found?" My razor handle thread from 5 yearsago, that bird thing, and the mystery wrench would all go here. Im organized like that. But im not broome level. I have another object i found in a wall in an old house i need to track down. Been trying to figure out what this thing is for years.
Well played, flyboy. I was hooked on the sextant idea even tho' I could see it was missing a couple sun filters...figured they were lost in transit.
Well played - a balloon theodolite (not a transit, which is NOT a theodolite - two different gizmos). Used to track weather balloons to gauge wind speed/direction.
While helping a friend move out of her ex's house, this was mounted on the wall in the basement. Antique fire extinquisher?