Object Details
Description
This polished wooden case is lined with green satin and velvet and is fastened with two brass hooks. It holds ten brass and steel drawing instruments and attachments:
1) A 5-3/4" pair of dividers with a leg that may be removed by loosening two screws.
2) A 5-1/2" pair of dividers with a leg removed by loosening one thumbscrew. The point on the other leg is broken.
3) Two drawing pens (2-5/8" and 1-3/4") with short brass handles.
4) A 2-3/8" pricker.
5) A 4" extension bar that can be inserted into the second pair of dividers.
6) Pen and pencil points that fit the second pair of dividers.
7) A 3-3/4" compass with only one leg and a pen point that fits this compass.
Because they fit snugly in the case and have matching blue screws, both pairs of dividers, the pen and pencil points for the second pair of dividers, the compass and pen point, and the shorter drawing pen are likely original to the set. The Smithsonian acquired this object in 1960. It probably dates to the early 19th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 19th century
ID Number
MA.317358
accession number
230279
catalog number
317358
Object Name
drawing instruments, set of
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
brass (overall material)
steel (overall material)
paper (overall material)
fabric (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 2.5 cm x 16.8 cm x 12.1 cm; 31/32 in x 6 5/8 in x 4 3/4 in
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_904448