precision proportional dividers
Datecirca 1880
Inventory NumberDW0465
ClassificationProportional compass
Subject
Maker
English
?
Maker
German
?
Cultural Region
Dimensionsdividers: 1.4 × 17.6 × 1.8 cm (9/16 × 6 15/16 × 11/16 in.)
case: 2.3 × 19.5 × 3.8 cm (7/8 × 7 11/16 × 1 1/2 in.)
case: 2.3 × 19.5 × 3.8 cm (7/8 × 7 11/16 × 1 1/2 in.)
Material
Accessoriesoriginal case
DescriptionThe dividers are stored in a rectangular case with black leather exterior lining that opens along one of the long edges. The inside of the case is lined with purple velvet and is contoured to fit the instrument. The case opens with a small button on the front of the bottom half of the case.
The dividers consist of two German silver arms. At each end of both arms there is a sharp downward silver point, perpendicular to the arms themselves. The points act like table legs, raising the main body of the dividers above the ground. The main German silver body of each arm is oval-shaped, with a track cut out along the center. There is a rectangular, German silver piece sliding in each track, each with a round adjustment screw. The bottom track (when the dividers are standing on their pointed legs) has a serrated edge. The top track has ratio markings engraved around it to permit precision adjustments. The arms are attached by the sliding pieces at adjustable intersections along the tracks.
The dividers consist of two German silver arms. At each end of both arms there is a sharp downward silver point, perpendicular to the arms themselves. The points act like table legs, raising the main body of the dividers above the ground. The main German silver body of each arm is oval-shaped, with a track cut out along the center. There is a rectangular, German silver piece sliding in each track, each with a round adjustment screw. The bottom track (when the dividers are standing on their pointed legs) has a serrated edge. The top track has ratio markings engraved around it to permit precision adjustments. The arms are attached by the sliding pieces at adjustable intersections along the tracks.
Signedunsigned
FunctionDividers are used to proportionately transfer and alter plane lines. These dividers facilitate higher precision transfers given the flexible intersection point of the arms and the proportion scale engraved in one arm.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Saul Moskowitz, Marblehead, Massachusetts, November 23, 1973. Donated to CHSI 1985.
Troughton & Simms
Date: circa 1850
Accessories: green shagreen-covered wood case with silver frame
Object number: DW0232
English
Date: 1800-1830
Accessories: original dark red leather case; silver point cover/protector
Object number: DW0458
Adrien Gavard
Date: circa 1860
Accessories: hinged mahogany case with original trade label; extra arm; writing implements; instrument weights; small ivory wheels with brass frames
Object number: 1997-1-1856
Keuffel & Esser Company
Date: circa 1925
Accessories: case
Object number: 1997-1-1917
German
Date: circa 1550
Accessories: 3/16 in. drill bit secured to one arm and one pivoted brace
Object number: DW0728
Elliott Brothers
Date: circa 1863
Accessories: wooden case; bill of sale and the dealer's tag, in the instrument's file
Object number: DW0489
German
Date: circa 1550
Accessories: Screw bar and fastening nuts attachments in box. Appears to be complete.
Object number: DW0730
Holtzapffel and Company
Date: circa 1850
Accessories: rectangular brown leather case
Object number: DW0457
