Altimeter (Contact), Luftwaffe, Fl.22317 JU-87 Stuka, JU-88, Kontakt-Hohenmesser

This is a well-worn example of the Contact Altimeter (Kontakt-Hohenmesser) Fl.22317 as used in the WWII-era JU-87 Stuka and JU-88 dive bombers and some ME 110 fighters of the German Luftwaffe.  See the illustration of the JU-87 blind flying panel showing the location of this altimeter.  It is missing its center adjustment knob.

This altimeter as designed had two hands and two front nested knobs. The white pointer indicates the aircraft altitude, from 0-6 Km, and the outer knob adjusts for barometric pressure.  The second pointer, painted red, is adjusted with the small center adjusting knob with "K" to set a target altitude. At this altitude, an electrical contact (hence the name contact altimeter) is made which releases the bomb or other ordnance.  This would relieve the pilot of having to manually release the bomb and allow him to focus on the target and the dive maneuver itself.

It is in fair condition given its age. Someone named Elmer painted his name on the side of the case. There is a dust inside of the dial, see photos.  It is a rare find and would be an interesting addition to anyone's collection even in its present condition.