Elliott Bros. Drawing Pen

This 5-3/4" steel, brass, and ivory drawing pen is marked: ELLIOTT. William Elliott began making mathematical instruments in London in the early 19th century. His sons, Frederick and Charles, joined the firm in 1850. They operated as Elliott Brothers after William died in 1853, expanding the range of instruments offered. This pen was probably made in the early 20th century. BAE Systems acquired Elliott Bros. in 1988. Archival materials may be found in the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford.

References: Gloria Clifton, "An Introduction to the History of Elliott Brothers up to 1900," Bulletin of the Scientific Instrument Society 36 (1993): 2–7; H. R. Bristow, "Elliott, Instrument Makers of London. Products, Customers and Development in the 19th Century," Bulletin of the Scientific Instrument Society 36 (1993): 8–11; H. R. Bristow, "Lewisham to Oxford: The Elliott Archive and Instrument Collection," Bulletin of the Scientific Instrument Society 109 (2011): 14–15.

Currently not on view