Object Details
distributor
Eugene Dietzgen Company
Description
This folding case has a wooden base with two cardboard flaps. It is covered with black imitation leather and lined with purple velvet. The case fastens with two snaps marked with the trademark for the Eugene Dietzgen Company. The insides of the snaps are marked: P R Y M (/) 4H. The front flap is marked: 1252 PJL. The back of the case is marked: GERMANY (/) U.S. ZONE. Inside the top flap is marked: DIETZGEN (/) POLITEK. The set of instruments appears to be original and complete and includes:
1) 6-3/4" fixed-leg needle-point dividers, marked: DIETZGEN GERMANY.
2) 6-3/8" bow pencil with pen point attachment. One leg is marked: DIETZGEN GERMANY.
3) 5" bow pencil with pen point attachment. One leg is marked: DIETZGEN GERMANY. A 6-1/2" extension bar permits this instrument to function as a beam compass.
4) 5-1/2" black plastic and steel drawing pen marked: DIETZGEN GERMANY. The adjusting screw is numbered by twos from 0 to 8.
5) 3-1/16" black plastic and steel pen handle.
6) 2-1/2" blue screwdriver with German silver handle.
7) 1-1/16" black metal joint tightener.
8) 5/16" German silver thumbtack.
Except as noted, the instruments may be made of a chromium-plated hard alloy. The reference to the American occupation zone after World War II dates this set to between 1945 and 1955. Neither the Politek brand nor model number were mentioned in Dietzgen's 1949 catalog. The Extens-o-Leg compass attachment was advertised in a 1953–1954 catalog for schools, further suggesting that the set was not manufactured until after 1950.
References: Catalog of Eugene Dietzgen Co., 16th ed. (Chicago, 1949); Dietzgen School Catalog (Chicago, 1953–1954), 12.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of LaVerne Watkins
date made
1950-1955
ID Number
1989.0305.03
catalog number
1989.0305.03
accession number
1989.0305
Object Name
drawing instruments, set of
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
cardboard (overall material)
imitation leather (overall material)
fabric (overall material)
metal (overall material)
plastic (overall material)
Measurements
case: 2.5 cm x 26.5 cm x 14.5 cm; 31/32 in x 10 7/16 in x 5 23/32 in
place made
Germany
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Science & Mathematics
Drawing Instruments
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Drafting, Engineering
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1050950