WW1 US Army Aviation Signal Corps – TYPE G ALTIMETER – JN-4 Nieuport 28 – RARE!

You are bidding on an EXCELLENT and VERY NICE used example of a WW1 US Army Aviation Signal Corps “Type G” Altimeter!  Produced later in the war, it was used in the Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny”, Nieuport 28, and Airco DH-4 Biplanes.

The Type G Altimeter was originally introduced in early military aircraft of the US Army Aviation Signal Corps. during WWI.  The early variants were labeled as having been manufactured for the Aviation Section Signal Corps US Army, which was active from 1914 to early  1918.  Around May 1918, their name changed to “Air Corps US Army”.

It crudely measured altitude from 0-19,000 ft, which was fairly high for aircraft of that era.  The lower knob rotates the face of the dial while the pointer remains fixed to set the present field elevation.

World War One, US Neko Type G Altimeter. Manufactured by Neko of Newark, New Jersey, with Serial # 343, it is marked “Aviation Section, Signal Corps, U.S. Army,”indicating it was made prior to May 15, 1918, when Congress changed the name of the Aviation Section to “Air Service U.S. Army.” These altimeters are rare, as most were produced by Taylor Instrument Company. This altimeter may have been used on a Curtiss “Jenney” or a DeHavilland DH

Made of brass and steel by Neko of Newark, NJ, this altimeter is in VERY NICE used condition! Though it is a bit dirty, it retains 95% of it’s original paint! Various marks, scratches and wear due to the age (as well as some corrosion on the reverse), but it could easily be cleaned up. A couple of the screws are missing, however the adjustment knob still rotates perfectly! Responds to air pressure, but not sure how accurate. I have indicated a similar one in the last photo. Would make a FANTASTIC addition to any collection or display!