pocket set of drawing instruments
Date: 1890-1910
Inventory Number: 1997-1-1918
Classification: Drawing Instruments
Subject:
Maker: Riefler Company ? (1841-present)
Seller: F. Weber & Company (1887-present)
User: William R. Osgood
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
case: 2.1 × 24.5 × 14.5 cm (13/16 × 9 5/8 × 5 11/16 in.)
Material:
Accessories: black case
DescriptionThe drawing instruments are stored in a black rectangular case that opens with hinges along one of the long edges. There are two metal hooks on the frame of the lid of the case that fit into two holes in the frame of the bottom half of the case when closed. There is a small latch extending from the side of the case that, when pressed, releases the latches to open. The inside of the lid of the case is lined with black silk. The bottom half of the case is contoured to fit the instruments and hold them in place when the case is closed. It is lined with black velvet.
There are eleven instruments in the case. Two ruling pens of different sizes with black handles. One large folding steel compass with lead attachment. One large folding steel set of dividers. Two smaller steel compasses, one with ruling pen attachment and one with lead attachment. One smaller steel ruling pen. One smaller steel set of dividers. One steel lengthening bar that can be attached to any of the smaller instruments. One cylindrical nickel silver capsule for lead and extra needle point storage. One small leaf-shaped screw driver for adjustments.
There are eleven instruments in the case. Two ruling pens of different sizes with black handles. One large folding steel compass with lead attachment. One large folding steel set of dividers. Two smaller steel compasses, one with ruling pen attachment and one with lead attachment. One smaller steel ruling pen. One smaller steel set of dividers. One steel lengthening bar that can be attached to any of the smaller instruments. One cylindrical nickel silver capsule for lead and extra needle point storage. One small leaf-shaped screw driver for adjustments.
Signedon steel plaque screwed to inside bottom of case: F. WEBER & CO / PHILADELPHIA
Inscribedstamped on the bottom of the case: W.R.O. [for William R. Osgood]
FunctionThe set of drawing instruments is equipped for drawing and dividing lines, circles, and curves of various kinds. A set of this kind would be useful to draftsmen, architects, navigators, cartographers, engineers, mathematicians, and even artists. The rule pens permit the user to draw consistent inked lines of adjustable thickness. The compasses permit the drawing of circles and arc sections in ink or lead. Dividers are used to translate proportionate figures.
Curatorial RemarksThere are no indications on the case or instruments themselves, but upon examining the set, Peter von Thüna supposed that the instruments were made by Rieffler.