Compass and Divider in Case
Compass and Divider in Case
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Usage conditions apply
- Description
- This six-inch German silver instrument opens into a double "V" shape. It has a cylindrical handle, thumbscrews for removing the point attachments, and thumbscrews for adjusting the points. The legs may be fitted with any combination of two needle points, two lengthening bars, and a pen point. The pencil point is missing. The lengthening bars extend the compass horizontally to a width of 9-3/4", allowing the instrument to function as a beam compass.
- Almost all of the pieces are engraved with the number 61, except for one needle point, one lengthening bar, and the pen point, which are each engraved with the number 60. A rectangular leather-covered case is lined with black velvet. A label on the bottom of the case is largely worn away, but it appears to have been marked: MADE IN GERMANY. Compare to 1978.2110.05.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- compass
- compass, drawing
- date made
- early 20th century
- place made
- Germany
- Physical Description
- german silver (overall material)
- wood (overall material)
- leather (overall material)
- velvet (overall material)
- steel (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 17.7 cm x 10 cm x 2 cm; 6 31/32 in x 3 15/16 in x 25/32 in
- ID Number
- 1978.2110.04
- accession number
- 1978.2110
- catalog number
- 336730
- Credit Line
- Gift of Ruth A. Ming
- subject
- Mathematics
- Drawing Instruments
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Mathematics
- Science & Mathematics
- Dividers and Compasses
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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