Hi azcaveman,
I was fortunate to have a pointer extractor tool from days long gone of calibrating pressure gauges, it is very simple, but one could be made out of a hex nut, thick wall tube with the bottom filed off suitable to make legs that clamp below the pointer. The opposite end threaded to take a screw with a "pin" turned suitable to fit the pointer shaft with a little clearance. Same effect as a run of the mill puller so to speak. The pointer is only a press fit. Despite having the puller, I have often removed the pointer using two screwdrivers under the pointer, with the dial face protected with a bit of card or cloth, carefully levering upwards, It should pop off without too much pressure and no damage....