Remarkable Wild Heerbrugg T4 astronomical theodolite, renowned as one of the largest and most precise instruments ever made for geodetic astronomy and angular measurements in first order networks. The stand is marked, "Wild, Heerbrugg, Switzerland, T4-56098," and the unit bears North American Aviation and Navigation Systems Calibration Lab property tags; North American Aviation/Autonetics would likely have used this instrument in the Minuteman program. Complete with two original carrying crates (one for the theodolite and one for its stand), both bearing Wild tags with matching serial numbers (56098). In very good to fine condition.
The Wild T4 is used for geodetic triangulation, astronomical observations, and geographical position determinations. Its broken telescope (with 65x magnification) allows comfortable sighting to the zenith. Circle readings are made with an optical micrometer and by coincidence setting of diametrically opposite graduations. The horizontal circle is read directly to 0.1” and the vertical circle is 0.2”. A marvelous example of this rare precision instrument.
