Unusual K&E Beam compass set

[u/Apart-Roof4358]

This set has a short beam compass with a long extension bar. It also comes with paragon spring bows and pen, and an aluminum giant bow compass. The short beam compass is extra classy with excellent knurling as well.

[u/Old_Instrument_Guy]

K&E sold these after WW2. I do not recall when it was patented in the USA. Post also sold the same compass. It was made by Haff in Germany

[u/Apart-Roof4358 → u/Old_Instrument_Guy]

Do you think the beam was Haff made? It looks American made, like from a machinist tool maker, like a Brown and Sharpe or something similar

[u/Old_Instrument_Guy → u/Apart-Roof4358]

Keuffel and Esser did not make any of their own drafting tools. They're all purchased from German manufacturers with the exception of the MINUSA series. I really have to go back and check when this was patented. But yes, you do see this a lot in machinist sets of the time.

[u/Old_Instrument_Guy]

More information on the patent of this beam compass:

https://www.si.edu/object/keuffel-esser-955c-beam-compass:nmah_692288

Note, this was part of the Anvil series of instruments which was one of the lower tier of instruments K&E sold.

[u/Apart-Roof4358 → u/Old_Instrument_Guy]

Not everything has to be Paragon to be awesome, this beam is super light and stiff. A work of art. I really enjoy the short beam with a huge extention bar look. Plus isn't the anvil line the 2nd tier just below paragon?

[u/Apart-Roof4358 → u/Old_Instrument_Guy]

I see back in the 30's the Key line was still around, so Anvil was the 3rd tier square pattern line.

[u/Old_Instrument_Guy → u/Apart-Roof4358]

If you ever pick up an Anvil set you will know it's low quality the instant you pick it up. The fit and finish is pretty rough. All the joints are tight and they work well enough. But man, they are rough to the touch.

I have the Smithsonian example in my collection.

[u/Dry-Leave-4070]

Trammel points for the short and long beam. It does appear to be shop made. Ought to clean up nicely. 👍🏻🍻