Early Mk IV Tripod?

[edvic]

Earlier this week I stumbled across, and purchased an unusual Mk IV tripod. I think it's an extremely early unit manufactured by the British but I can't be sure. Unlike most Mk IVs this pod is undated. It would be wonderful to get an expert opinion or two.

Crosshead
The crosshead does not have raised lettering. The crosshead and elevating joint pin holes do not have steel bushings - these areas are solid brass. There are no centering blocks, in fact the crosshead doesn't even have screw holes that would allow centering blocks to be attached. The tripod doesn't have a pointer of the sort normally used with a traversing dial. Instead it has a simple steel pointer (not spring loaded) held on by a single screw. The conical portion of the crosshead that inserts into the tripod body has two holes in it (like a Colt m1915 tripod crosshead). However, the crosshead is unlike any m1915 crosshead I have ever seen. A small steel bracket is riveted to the left crosshead rail. The right crosshead rail is marked 'A 355'.

Tripod Body
The tripod body is stamped with the letters 'H.S.', so I'm guessing the unit may have been manufactured by Hornsby, R & Sons, Ltd. There are no other markings

There is no traversing dial. None of the parts are DP marked. The tripod was imported along with a large lot of Brit Vickers parts from a depot in Greece.

Thanks for looking.

[redroth]

I am NOT an expert but it sounds like an early Colt Vickers tripod to me. I believe the early ones did not have a degree wheel. Of course pictures would be helpful.

[edvic]

Thanks redroth. Below is a link to an album with a few pictures. If you can spare a moment, let me know what you think.

minus.com/mbadgF8W5lHm8N

[redroth]

Hi
The US (Colt) cross head has 2 holes and the Australian/UK cross head has one elongated hole. Your cradle is for a Colt Vicker. Ref: www.vickersmg.com/tripods.html
Regards