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Many years ago, when I was "turning wrenches" for a living, I found that the most common use for a dial indicator (in the auto repair business) was for checking/setting the backlash for the rear end ring and pinion setup. It can also be used to check for bends in items like pushrods, throttle shafts, etc., but that's usually easier done by rolling them on a piece of glass.
John

Believe most Studebakers also required the use of one to "dial in" the bellhousing. Their manuals always cautioned that not using one would result in short clutch life or other dire consequences.

The base holding the dial indicator is called a surface gauge should not be magnetic the indicator appears to be a Starrett last word indicator which would be on the face of the indicator should have about .030 total indicator travel. Just as a note when I was a machinist apprentice 40 plus years ago we were required to buy are own personal tools and they were required to be Starrett , Lufkin or Brown and Sharp no other brands were allowed.http://www.mcmaster.com/#surface-gauges/=24lko2 (page 2243)
Also noticed that a lot of the hand measuring tools have little paper stickers on them which I assume are calibration stickers required periodically by most large companies to insure the tools are reading correct values. Just a little added useless information

I have all of my father's precision measuring tools, and taps and dies. I have used some of them from time to time, but will never sell them. The sentimental value exceeds anything I could get for them monetarily.