This arrived today from the 'bay. It was sold as a Non Linear Systems DVM, but its actual markings show the manufacturer as being a company called Electro Instruments Inc. It certainly LOOKS like the early NLS meters, with edge lit stacked plastic numerals for the display. I haven't found a date code on anything yet, so the best I can guess at this point is that it's late 50s to perhaps early 60s.
Here are a few preliminary photos of it as it was received; the packaging left a LOT to be desired and I'm amazed that it got to me relatively unscathed. I think this one is going to be quite the challenge to get up and running. If anyone recognizes it or has any hints/links regarding its pedigree, I'm most interested to hear them. I'm going to go do some disassembly and cleaning of it now; I'll post more detailed photos once I've taken them. In the meantime, here are some taken of it with the iPhone.
Overall view, undergoing inspection by Model 3 Lab Cat:
A close up of the front panel lit by a strong side light to make indented lettering visible - no NLS logo, but Electro Instruments instead:
And the rear panel - the serial/model number tag is illegible (thus far; may try the microscope later), but a model and serial number are written in magic marker on the rear panel model 1040, S/N 3186 - these are what I'm going by unless anyone can say "No, it's actually an EI model <fill in the blank>:
And finally a general pic of the interior will have to do for now as I realize I haven't taken an overall pic of the open chassis:
More to follow as I take them, and these and others are at:
https://pmanning.smugmug.com/Electronics/Electro-Instruments-NLS-edge-Pat