Drawing Compass

Description:

This German silver instrument has a handle and ridged ring at its top. Both legs have screws partway down and thumbscrews at the ends for adjusting the angles of the points. A piece of lead is in the receptacle at the end of one leg. The end of the other leg has a steel point. The instrument has no markings. Similar but shorter compasses from Germany are advertised for $2.15 in Keuffel & Esser's 1892 and 1909 catalogs. The instrument is not shown in the 1921 catalog.

References: Catalogue and Price-List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 23rd ed. (New York, 1892), 61; Catalogue and Price-List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 33rd ed. (New York, 1909), 108.

Date Made: ca 1900

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: Germany

Subject: MathematicsDrawing Instruments

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Mathematics, Science & Mathematics, Dividers and Compasses

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Eunice L. Hoffman

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: MA.335340Accession Number: 305958Catalog Number: 335340

Object Name: compasscompass, drawing

Physical Description: german silver (overall material)Measurements: overall: .7 cm x 10.5 cm x 1 cm; 9/32 in x 4 1/8 in x 13/32 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a7-2f95-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_904354

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.