Strange brass inclinator-type tool

[sushimonster]

I recently came into posession of a heavy-duty brass(?) inclinator type tool. I've never seen one quite like this before, and it has an inscription on it which doesn't appear to be English.
 
I can make out a little crown-like symbol, and the number 1904 - which I'm assuming is the year of manufacture (?)
 
Can anyone tell me what this is exactly, and what the inscription says - and therefore what language it's in?
 
Pics are here:
 
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/7/5/0/9/8/webimg/566438906_o.jpg
 
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/7/5/0/9/8/webimg/566438934_o.jpg
 
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/7/5/0/9/8/webimg/566438950_o.jpg
 
http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/7/7/5/0/9/8/webimg/566438973_o.jpg
 
 
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me,

Ian.

[Lewill2]

Inclinometer I agree but I don't have a clue on the origin of the markings either. Don't recall ever seeing one like this before.

[RWalters]

The inscription appears to be Cyrillic, and it looks like a gunner's quadrant to me.

[john k]

I did see something like this at a re-enactment, was placed on the rear of a cannon, measured the angle of elevation of the gun.

[Billman49]

Definitley a gunner's quadrant or clinometer, used to aim a small field gun or a heavy machine gun - there is a web site that specialises in these and the restoration of early field guns - sorry no longer have the link, but a web search should find it - they should be able to give a positive ID.

A quick web search found this one for a Browning machine gun.. link: http://browningmgs.com/Clinometer/Clinometer.htm

[Papa Tango]

Very interesting item.  My eyes aren't very sharp anymore but the markings may be French or Russian.  My opinion is that this instrument was possibly used on a Maxim machine gun and was possibly issued as part of the gunner's kit.  The 1904 date stamp would indicate a very early issue, perhaps for Russian military use.  Also, there appears to be an "arrow" marking that could either signify the direction of fire when setting the elevation, or it could also be an arsenal marking or logo.  I can't  make out the "crown" marking indicated by one of the posters but it also may be another arsenal or manufacturer's mark.

I enjoyed seeing this tool and it certainly is a nice addition to any collection.