Object Details
Description
This small square wooden case is covered with black leather and lined with maroon and black velvet. The latch is opened by pushing on it with a metal rod. Inside the case are 3" bow dividers, bow pen, and bow pencil, all made of German silver with ivory handles. These may be the only bow compasses with rounded ivory handles in the collections. W. F. Stanley of London sold sets of bow compasses from about 1850 to 1940, but the handles were designed differently. Comparing these instruments to others received in the same accession suggests they were made in the late 19th century.
Location
Currently not on view
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Ruth A. Ming
date made
late 19th century
ID Number
1978.2110.01
catalog number
1978.2110.01
accession number
1978.2110
catalog number
336727
Object Name
drawing instruments, set of
Physical Description
german silver (overall material)
ivory (overall material)
leather (overall material)
fabric (overall material)
wood (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 2 cm x 9.5 cm x 3 cm; 25/32 in x 3 3/4 in x 1 3/16 in
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Science & Mathematics
Drawing Instruments
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Dividers and Compasses
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1122192