Stadia Sight / Rangefinder
Stadia sights were used during the Civil War by Artillerymen
and sometimes Sharpshooters to determine the range to a target. The Stadia sight
is calibrated to the height of a man on one side and to the height of a man
mounted on a horse on the other side. This allowed the user to determine the
range to an infantry or cavalry target.
In some units,
Stadia sights were given as prizes to the best marksmen in the unit. Brass
Stadia sights were given to the best marksman in a Company and Silver Stadia
sights were given to the Regimental Champion.
To
use a Stadia sight you must first determine the type of target, infantry or
cavalry. Chose the side that reflects your target, put the
bead on the end of the string in your mouth, holding it with your teeth. Holding
the Stadia sight in your hand, extend your arm until the string is taunt and
parallel with the ground; by keeping the string taunt you maintain a consistent
distance from your eye.
Chose the side that reflects your target, put the bead on the end of
the string in your mouth, holding it with your teeth. Holding the Stadia sight
in your hand, extend your arm until the string is taunt and parallel with the
ground; by keeping the string taunt you maintain a consistent distance from your
eye.
Then move the “slider” on the Stadia sight until
the “TOP” of the head and “BOTTOM” of the feet of the target fills the aperture
of the Stadia sight. Then read the distance shown on the opening in the
“slider”.
Sometimes keeping both eyes open makes it easier
to find the target. Practice will increase your accuracy and determine the best
way you can use the Stadia sight.
Originals had “lead” beads on the string, so if
you should find an original Stadia sight, putting lead in your mouth is now
known to be a health hazard. Reproductions should not use lead for the bead on
the string.
The reproduction Stadia sight I have uses a brass bead filled
with pure beeswax and is therefore safe to use.
Original Brass Stadia sight
Original Silver Stadia sight
