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Mac,
I've done a bit of swapping and changing around have found that the Ocular housings will indeed interchange, the threads picked up no problem and when screwed fully home the focus only required slight adjustment which I guess is only to be expected.
One thing I did notice which I never have before is that the ocular housing on the later tapered cone bottoms out against the recoil ring. Obviously the later cone was produced to simplify manufacture but it got me thinking how the earlier stepped cone was manufactured and I can only assume it was by metal spinning? A somewhat diminishing skill in modern times although oddly enough a Company less than a mile away perform that very same function.
Cheers,
Simon.
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I think metal spinning died out with the old trade of coppersmiths
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Unfortunately like the majority of the old Engineering skills and trades this country was built on.
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Simon, thats great news thanks for trying that. At least I know now its possible to interchange the housings. In regards to the long cone.. yes I've studied mine and although I cant unscrew it yet it appears to be made from a sheet of brass which has been formed or pressed into a cone then the the closing edge soldered. There is a clear straight solder line where the two halves meet. You mention the long cone being later.. I guessed this was a 1916 onwards version as don't think ive seen any photographic evidence on that version prior to that date but have on the stepped pre issue version which unknown to me has a collar that can unscrew as well. Im sure this version has the join line too. Re spinning..
I currently use two companies and they are both very good. Both are in london and are happy to negotiate prices or do the odd cash in hand option which is cheaper for me. Pm me if you want details.
Regards
Mac
