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drafting set

  • Images (3)

drafting set

Date: 1900-1950
Inventory Number: 2004-1-0347
Classification: Drawing Instruments
Subject:
drawing,
Maker: Keuffel & Esser Company (1867 - 1987)
Cultural Region:
United States,
Place of Origin:
New York,
Dimensions:
case: 3 × 13 × 25.3 cm (1 3/16 × 5 1/8 × 9 15/16 in.)
Material:
leather, felt, pencil lead, brass, steel,
Description:
The drafting set is stored in a folding black leather case. The case consists of three sections. The center and bottom sections are lined with green velvet. The center section is also contoured to hold the instruments in place. The bottom section folds over the center section. The top piece is much smaller and it snaps onto the bottom section, when folded in, with two snaps.

The set consists of three, equally sized steel instruments with brass handles: one divider, one compass with lead attachment, and one compass with rule pen attachment. There is a brass screw bar and washer used to adjust the distance between the ends. There is a larger steel compass with led attachment and a larger set of steel dividers. There is another rule pen with a black plastic handle and steel attachment. There is also a steel rule pen and a steel lengthening bar that can be attached to other instruments.
Signedstamped on some of the compasses: K&E Co.
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. The lengthening bar can be attached, by loosening and tightening a screw holder at one end, to various instruments to elongate them. Dividers are used to translate proportionate figures.
Curatorial RemarksInactive insect activity found 7/23/19 - Lauren Klotzman

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