Old Manon/Mayflower and Pentax Geared Alt/Az Mount

I had two mounts delivered to my door this weekend I have not seen before. The first picture is of a Pentax Alt/Az geared mount. What makes this interesting is the clutch action of the each axis. The slow motion control rod moves in or out on bearings to enage or disengage the gear or allow for free motion.

I am wondering if anyone has seen this mount before. I searched long and hard on goggle (web and groups) and astromart from the beginning of time and can find nothing. If anyone has any information on when this mount was sold by Pentax, original price, or any advertising history, I would be most appreciative. The mount, after several hours work, is smooth as silk. Just amazing. (The scope mounted on top is an Ashanti Pentax 60mm, 800mm fl.)

The second mount is a Manon. Another geared alt/az mount. My understanding is that Manon may have been the European version of Mayflower, the poor man's Unitron. Ill take poor if this is the mount I can get! It is unbelieveably smooth with no slop whatsoever. the scope on top is a Manon 60mm 700mmfl. The lens is the best of all my small old refractors.

Once again, looking for help with age, original price, advertising, etc.

Thanks!

Steve

Attached Image:

Manon Mount

Attached Image:

Hi Steve,
i have an old Manon 'scope like yours. Unfortunately, the lense is not great (mistreated by a previous owner?), and the tripod will not mount properly to the open c-shaped lugs on the mount head- the legs keep popping out.

i think it's an early 60's vintage, and was probably pretty widely sold- one pops up on that Really Big Auction site almost monthly.

The thing i like is the focuser -the EP holder can be swapped for a 1.25" collar with 36.4mm threads.

It came in a fairly nice wooden case. One day i may replace the lense and try to do something with the mount... other than the problem with the legs, the motions and balance are quite nice.

-mw.