Thank you for the suggestions...
...but I still need an answer or advice, so here is the schematic, such as it is.
I want to follow this design first, but appreciate your alternative suggestions and may fall back on those if this proves unworkable.
The number of turns is the issue. The meter circuit wire will be coiled around the insulated HV feed wire, not the bare metal "antenna." I do intend to experiment with the suggestion to meter the amps on the primary side, as this sounds easy.
I have a few meters to chose from: all are analog, if I understand the term (not digital?).
DC amps 0-5
DC milliamps 0-20
DC volts 0-10
DC volts 0-3 and a second range on the meter face 0-15 which I do not understand as there are only two contacts, but a push button on the back (?)
If the schematic is hard to make out, just ask and I will explain. I also have the diode and the 10K pot.
The photo shows The Device, as I call it, on display in my office. I built this to my own design two summers ago, fulfilling a life goal, if you can believe it. The new Ladder will be on display at the local Museum of Radio and Electricity, which I will be happy to sneak you in for a tour when you're in town. They had not ventilated the old one, and it eventually ate itself from O3 concentration.
I just noticed on preview that the attachments are thumbnails, too small. How do I make them full-size for your convenience?
Little help?