Odd tripod mount

Got a heavy wood and brass tripod that has an unusual mount section. I've looked through hundreds of surveyors tripods and similar items and have yet to see anything matching. No markings that I could see on the mount or tripod itself. Any ideas welcome. Thanks for looking.

 

the green suggests military.....no?

 

.
I do think the olive drab is old military issue color, thanks, Komo.

 

It very well could be, but i've not found anything matching for military items that used tripods either.

 

Kronos, I do think it held a transit for the tripod too. The thing appears very well weighted, and with the angles to shoot off of, well, where is the transit?

 

It appears to be missing parts,maybe @springfld.arsenal knows what it is.