Bill
The Dickson T2 triple mount holder that came with my Pratt & Whitney model B had a very OEM looking sliding locating pin in the equivalent hole which appeared to be intended to allow the post to be returned to its normal alignment should the user need to rotate it for any reason. Given that the thing was well rust'n age fitted and that Messrs Pratt & Whitney had not seen fit to provide anywhere suitable on the topslide for a matching hole I suspect that it came inserted from the factory and had never been moved.
I've seen a reasonable sample of Dickson type posts over the years in various sizes and that's the only one having anything in the hole. Unless you count spiders, swarf, cutting oil, dust and other contamination.
Could be useful as a mount for a dial gauge carrier assembly. An expanding collett or O ring device to hold a stud or short post onto which the actual carrier gubbins could easily be fitted when needed should not be too hard to arrange.
Limited rotation angle of the locking cam can be due to poor fit of the height setting collar in the grooved section below the locking drive nut. On the T2 series there is enough variation in collar diameter, thickness and glove depth between various quality (European & UK) brands to prevent universal interchange out of the box. I have some 5 or 6 varieties in my collection. Dickson appear to have the deepest collars, Rapid the shallowest. Something over 20 thou difference so everything will fit Dickson but modifications are needed to Rapid. I diamond filed out the top of the groove. worth checking if same applies to smaller sizes. Had to trim the diameter of one collar too.
Given that everything is solid I don't think the locking mechanism can actually go over centre. As I recall matters the larger Dickson merely goes close to 90°. Hafta look at end of year clean-up time. Presumably there is an angle close enough to 90° that holds despite not actually going over.
Grot inside seriously reduces performance. I clean and wipe lube mine every year. Given the small clearances its amazing how much stuff gets in. At least its easy to keep the mounting faces clean when in use.
Clive