Beam compasses were used to draw circles of large radius by positioning the sliding pieces on a wooden lath.
- Description
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Beam compasses were used to draw circles of large radius by positioning the sliding pieces on a wooden lath. This German silver instrument, also called a draftsman’s trammel, has a smaller sliding piece with a pencil point that may be exchanged for the pen point holder also contained in the case. The smaller sliding piece is engraved with the Kern logo, a K inside a pair of dividers. The larger sliding piece has a needle point. Either end of the needle point may be used.
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The larger sliding piece is engraved with a maker’s mark: KERN & Co; AARAUSWISS. No beam, or wooden lath, is included, nor is there room for one in the case. The case is leather over wood, lined with maroon velvet and locked by a button on the side. The top of the case is imprinted with a rectangle that has a fleur-de-lis at each corner. The maker’s mark is stamped in gold: KERN & Co AARAU [/] SWITZERLAND. The owner’s card is inside the case, with “Property [/] of” written in cursive pencil and “L. N. EDWARDS” printed. Carolyn H. Edwards of Glen Echo, Md., bequeathed this beam compass set to the Smithsonian in 1971.
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The marks on this compass are similar to those used by Kern between 1885 and 1926. For other instruments manufactured by Kern, see ID numbers MA.247966, 1977.0460.02, 1978.2291.01, and MA.321781.
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Reference: Juerg Dedual, "How Old is My Kern & Co. AG Aarau?" Virtual Archive of WILD HEERBRUGG, http://www.wild-heerbrugg.com/how_old_is_my_kern_&_co__ag_aarau_instrument.htm.
- Location
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Currently not on view
- date made
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1885-1926
- maker
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Kern & Co.
- ID Number
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MA.333947
- accession number
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296611
- catalog number
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333947
