Howdy all,

I don't know indicators so I really don't know what I've got here. I bid $10 and won this on eBay:

Item 120172222086

The finish is black Hammerite, like was used in the '40s. It may have been used after that too, I don't know. Regardless, the only markings on the dial are the scale and

.001"
MADE IN
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

There are two identical pivoting actuators, B&S # 729-A. I reckon one is just a duplicate in case the other gets lost or broken.

The dial indicator itself is a size 1, with + and - markings. It is actuated on the back side. It has a mushroom button that screws into it. The button is removed to mount the actuator and then returned to the end of the rod so the actuator pushes on it. The gauge works well and appears to be accurate. Well, it is repeatable anyway. ;-)

I've put it together and I believe it is used to measure runout or true on a work piece chucked in a lathe. But that is my question: what is this setup used for?

The dovetailed box has several brads holding it together. The top has so much wear that part of the slide is worn away. This thing was used for a lifetime and well cared for.
--
Mr. Shannon DeWolfe -- (I've taken to using Mr. because my name tends to mislead folks on the WWW. I am a 51 year old fat man ;-) -- KD5QBL