Map Measure, Dietzgen 1715-4
- Description
- This measure has the shape of a pocket watch, with a wheel at the bottom which can run along the line to be measured. A long hand rotates counterclockwise to indicate the number of feet represented on the plan, assuming that one quarter of an inch equals one foot. Two smaller dials indicate hundreds and thousands of feet. Pressing down a button at the top of the instrument zeros it. The device fits in a cardboard box.
- A mark on the back of the instrument reads: DIETZGEN (/) SWISS. A mark on a tag attached to the top of the cardboard box reads: DIETZGEN (/) 1715-4 (/) ONE ONLY (/) PLAN (/) MEASURE (/) TO REGISTER FEET (/) ON PLANS 1/4" TO THE FT. A mark stamped on one end of the box reads: SWITZERLAND (/) No 1864.
- Eugene Dietzgen Company of Chicago sold map measures from at least 1910, and introduced this model in March,1952. How long it sold is not known. This example was used by the electrical engineer Robert H. Wieler (1923-1993), who worked for Sperry Gyroscope, for Colt Firearms, and for Abraham Strauss.
- References:
- Accession File.
- Eugene Dietzgen Company, Price List No. 28, Chicago, March, 1952, p. 18. The map measure sold for $12, or $100.80 per dozen.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1955
- distributor
- Eugene Dietzgen Company
- maker
- Dietzgen, Eugene
- place made
- Schweiz
- place distributed
- United States: Illinois, Chicago
- Physical Description
- metal (case, button, dial material)
- glass (face material)
- paper (box material)
- Measurements
- overall: 2 cm x 4.8 cm x 7.6 cm; 25/32 in x 1 7/8 in x 3 in
- ID Number
- 1998.0032.05
- catalog number
- 1998.0032.05
- accession number
- 1998.0032
- Credit Line
- Gift of Norma P. Wieler
- subject
- Mathematics
- Drafting, Engineering
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Mathematics
- Science & Mathematics
- Single Drawing Instruments
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
Facebook