etui of four ruling pens
Date: 1800-1850
Inventory Number: DW0231
Classification: Etui
Dimensions:1.4 x 11.8 x 3.9 cm (9/16 x 4 5/8 x 1 9/16 in.)
Accessories: green shagreen-covered case with silver framing and parts
DescriptionThe ruling pens are stored in a green, shagreen-covered case with silver framing parts. The case is rectangular, slightly wider at the top than the bottom, as long as the longest pen and only as thick as the diameter of the pens. The lid is attached with a hinge on one of the thin sides of the top. On the opposite thin side of the box from the lid hinge, there are two silver snaps. The larger snap is immediately below the opening of the box and the smaller one is further down. There is a similar, small silver snap at the top of the lid, on the same side. The bottom of the lid that fits onto the box is rimmed with silver. The inside of the case is brown and unfinished. When the pens are in the case, the largest pen is closest to the lid's hinge and the smallest is closest to the side of the case with the snaps.
Each of the pens is constituted of a brass handle and a sharp steel tip. The four brass handles are identical, though of different sizes. Each is an ornamented tube with grooves and bulges throughout. There is a holding place -- with reduced diameter -- just above the steel tip attachments and above it a bulge, on each pen. Beneath the holding place, the brass handles become squared instead of round and give way to the steel tips.
Each pointed end consists of two sharp halves extending from the end of the pen. Each extension is made of brass excepting the most extreme section that is made of steel. Each half is slightly rounded such that they intersect at the end and form an eye-shaped gap. There is a small brass screw tightening the two halves together. The screw can be loosened permitting the two pointed ends to be separated further apart. Adjusting the separation of the parts in this way adjusts the width of the line produced.
Inscribedengraved in script on silver lid-plaque (initials of the owner): TS
FunctionRuling pens are used to draw very precise lines for technical work in, for example, cartography, or for aesthetic work, for example, calligraphy. The pens are used by dipping the sharp end into ink or another drawing fluid and then lightly putting onto a drawing surface. The wider apart the user sets the two parts of the sharp tip, the thicker the rendered line will be.
ProvenanceDavid P. Wheatland, Topsfield, MA.