plumb bob
Datecirca 1880
Inventory Number1996-1-0033
ClassificationPlumb Bob
Subject
Maker
Keuffel & Esser Company
1867 - 1987
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions4.2 × 9.9 × 4.2 cm (1 5/8 × 3 7/8 × 1 5/8 in.)
Material
AccessoriesAll six plumb bobs in this series (Inv# 1996-1-0033, -0034, -0035, -0036, -0037, and -0038) are stored in the same small wooden box.
DescriptionBrass plumb bob, with pointed steel (?) tip and knurled handle at top. Body is in two pieces, which may be screwed apart for access to reel, around which clear line is wound. Line extends from the knurled handle. Turning the handle retracts or extends the line.
The body of the plumb bob is dented and/or nicked in several places.
The body of the plumb bob is dented and/or nicked in several places.
Signedbody, center: K&E Co., N.Y.
Inscribedbody, center: 6487
Curatorial RemarksDate uncertain, given the object's appearance--with the inscribed catalog number--in the 1936 K&E catalog.
The line's material is uncertain and may be more recent.
FunctionUsed to determine a vertical line. The plumb line may be extended or retracted by turning the knurled knob at the top of the bob.
Buff & Buff Manufacturing Company
Date: circa 1938
Accessories: All six plumb bobs in this series (Inv# 1996-1-0033, -0034, -0035, -0036, -0037, and -0038) are stored in the same small wooden box.
Object number: 1996-1-0034
American
Date: 1880-1940
Accessories: All six plumb bobs in this series (Inv# 1996-1-0033, -0034, -0035, -0036, -0037, and -0038) are stored in the same small wooden box.
Object number: 1996-1-0037
American
Date: 1880-1940
Accessories: All six plumb bobs in this series (Inv# 1996-1-0033, -0034, -0035, -0036, -0037, and -0038) are stored in the same small wooden box.
Object number: 1996-1-0038
American
Date: 1880-1940
Accessories: All six plumb bobs in this series (Inv# 1996-1-0033, -0034, -0035, -0036, -0037, and -0038) are stored in the same small wooden box.
Object number: 1996-1-0035
American
Date: 1880-1940
Accessories: All six plumb bobs in this series (Inv# 1996-1-0033, -0034, -0035, -0036, -0037, and -0038) are stored in the same small wooden box.
Object number: 1996-1-0036
Buff & Buff Manufacturing Company
Date: 20th-mid 20th Century
Accessories: small black nut; "Buff" plaque; yellow cardboard box
Object number: 1997-1-1837
Edwin H. Land
Date: 1970-1985
Accessories: post chain
Object number: 2004-1-0234a
W. & L. E. Gurley
Date: circa 1898
Accessories: stored in case with 5236a
Object number: 5236b
Edwin H. Land
Date: 1970-1985
Accessories: post chain
Object number: 2004-1-0234b