This is a precision bench micrometer / dial comparator that is often called a Supermicrometer or Electrolimit gauge.
Pratt & Whitney / Brown & Sharpe style Lab Supermicrometer. It is not a regular caliper - it is a laboratory grade instrument for measuring gauge blocks and precision parts to 0.0001" or better.
These were used in every toolroom / inspection lab from the 1950s -80s before digital indicators took over.
12" total length inside of the pictured wooden box.