Tycos
Altimeter, Tycos Type C, 25,000FT, WWI Aviation Section Signal Corps US Army
This artifact resides in our Private Collection, yet we welcome inquiries from restorers, museums, or serious enthusiasts. Please email us with the name of the artifact at Curator@AeroAntique.com.
Here is a Type C Altimeter used in early military aircraft of the US Army Air Service during WWI. It is labeled as having been manufactured for the Aviation Section Signal Corps US Army, which was active from 1914 to 1918. Crudely measured altitude from 0-25,000 ft, which was pretty high for aircraft of that era and requiring supplemental oxygen for the crew to exceed ~12,500 ft based upon modern standards. The knob rotates the face of the dial while the pointer remains fixed to set the present field elevation.
Measures ~4.75 inches diameter and ~1.75 inches deep. It is in terrific condition given its ~100 yr age. The metal seal is in place in the lower right of the case, thus has never been opened, or opened and resealed at some point in its journey.