Set of Drawing Instruments

Description:

This polished wooden case is lined with green satin and velvet and is fastened with two brass hooks. It holds ten brass and steel drawing instruments and attachments:

1) A 5-3/4" pair of dividers with a leg that may be removed by loosening two screws.

2) A 5-1/2" pair of dividers with a leg removed by loosening one thumbscrew. The point on the other leg is broken.

3) Two drawing pens (2-5/8" and 1-3/4") with short brass handles.

4) A 2-3/8" pricker.

5) A 4" extension bar that can be inserted into the second pair of dividers.

6) Pen and pencil points that fit the second pair of dividers.

7) A 3-3/4" compass with only one leg and a pen point that fits this compass.

Because they fit snugly in the case and have matching blue screws, both pairs of dividers, the pen and pencil points for the second pair of dividers, the compass and pen point, and the shorter drawing pen are likely original to the set. The Smithsonian acquired this object in 1960. It probably dates to the early 19th century.

Date Made: early 19th century

Location: Currently not on view

Subject: MathematicsDrafting, Engineering

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Mathematics, Science & Mathematics, Drawing Instruments

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: MA.317358Accession Number: 230279Catalog Number: 317358

Object Name: drawing instruments, set of

Physical Description: wood (overall material)brass (overall material)steel (overall material)paper (overall material)fabric (overall material)Measurements: overall: 2.5 cm x 16.8 cm x 12.1 cm; 31/32 in x 6 5/8 in x 4 3/4 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a7-704c-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_904448

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