What on Earth is this?

[Dos_Box]

My dad has been WhatsApp-ing me this afternoon about a 'thing' he has come across. He's visiting relatives down south and it may be in one of their houses (he didn't replay when I ased him where this is and how they came to own it).

Anyway, pics below and the only information I have is (based on questions I was able to ask):

 

1. It was made by Nalder Bros &Co, an old British electronics manufacturer - https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Nalder_Brothers_and_Co

2. They are magnates at the base of the 'tower'

3. There are two spirit levels and leveling screws on the base

4. The device on top of the coil is a mirror which can be moved in a signal plane with a screw above the front spirit level.

 

Apart from that, there is no other information. So, any (serious) ideas will be gratefully received.

 

 

 

 

 

[bald_pig]

Galvanometer?

[6Foot2]

A reflecting Galvanometer? [Possibly incomplete?]

 

Link: D'Arsonval Galvanometer, by Nalder Bros. & Co., English, c. 1900

 

The mirror you mention could be the reflecting surface used it indicate the small measured current.

[bushby]

i think its to prove that gravity is real or that light is not a figment of our imagination

[Dos_Box]

I think you could be right!

I'll pass it on

[6Foot2]

i think its to prove that gravity is real or that light is not a figment of our imagination

Link: The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)

 

LIGO in Hanford, Washington generates two laser beams and shoots them along paths set at 90°

 

Each arm of the experiment is around 5 miles (ca. 8 kilometres) in length.

 

[Ditto]

This thread just shows how right it is that this site is called EduGEEKS!

[SpuffMonkey]

This one looks similar - should you fancy a pair!

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GALVANOMETER-BRASS-NALDER-BROTHERS-RESTORATION-ORIGINAL-CONDITION-C1880-/223501966744?oid=323758172862