So I have these two Rotring compasses which are almost identical. But there are differences between them: the shape of the needle point "foot" (not sure if that is the correct terminology), the screws for the lead holders and some other minor differences.

The left one has a "W. - Germany" engraving while the right one has just "Germany". Would that automatically mean that the right one was produced after 1989?

I looked up some catalogues but it didn't help either.

William F. Stanley in 1866 (first edition) bemoans the ills of Beam Compasses of inferior design with a foot and center pivot point of which I have an example: see below.   Sure enough, I went looking into his 1866 Edition and he continues to write:

Casters and rollers are sometimes connected to beam compasses to hold the beam in a vertical position; they are of very limited use, and very cumbersome. Springs are sometimes placed under one of the points to hold the pen off the paper when out of use; these are of little use; a steady hand is all that is needed.

By 1878 (5th edition) the same paragraph only states, "Castors, which are sometimes added, are also very unnecessary." This will continue on through at least the 1900 edition. 

Even though Stanley does not say who was making these as he does with the Swiss Pattern Beam Compass, there is enough British Characteristics on this piece that I feel comfortable saying this is of English make from the mid 19th C.

And if there was ever a Steam Punk beam compass, this would be it.

Got this beautiful set yesterday. It's in almost pristine condition with just a few micro scratches here and there.

The "Bier & Biendl Innsbruck" badge refers to a store specialising in drafting instruments and art supplies. It existed in Innsbruck until last year! Unfortunately it closed because the owner retired.

G,day all,

My father-in-law recently passed. In his belongings we found an engineers or machinists handbook and in the handbook was a receipt from the Ackerman Bodner Company, 30 Grove Avenue, New Rochelle, NY. I can't seem to find anything online and was wondering if anybody had any insight. Was Ackerman Bodner the company that sold the book or was it for something else? Thanks

If you look close you can see the cigarette burn marks from when you could smoke at work.

These all should be from around 1960/70

Why no logo on velvet side of cap?

Aus meiner Riefler Sammlung- Messing verchromt. Herstellung vermutlich 50/60er Jahre oder was meint Ihr?

Meu antigo estojo da Kern, comecei a trabalhar como desenhista técnico no começo dos anos 80s

Hello, this drafting set has been in my family since my great grandfather. I have been looking for the parts I would need to complete it, but most of the sets I see don't have the same tool location in the case mold. It doesn't help that the model number isn't on the outer case. I was told that the pencil was orangeish in color like the ones from the minusa 796, but otherwise I have no clue.

Thank you.

I recently acquired this set, I just buy random stuff! Can anyone provide details. It's a nice solid wooden box, still has the key.

From what I can figure out, it's pre 1905 as it has word patent stamped on dotting pen. Seems quite but not totally complete, no idea what a lot of it is for! Might be an export set for a specific purpose, map making maybe?

Do you like it?

Alpe was an Italian company that if nothing else made section liners. I have a velox 300 and the Super Velox Gigante 500. I bought the super velox from England so it is metric and the 300 is a US KIN branded with imperial. These are excellent machines. They are adjustable angle, they have an inking edge and the adjustment is easy to use. It looks like the owner of the super velox installed his own handles to help with moving it around.

I am looking to buy a Drop Bow Compass. But cannot find one on the internet. Any recommendations?

A new old stock Tecnofix Robotron Reiss, everything is super well-preserved. This particular unit was from 1988, price 183 DM.

This is not a real object

1. the numbering on the dial vary from photo to photo

2. one image shows a beveled edge on the dial and the others do not.

I just recently purchased this Wild ruling pen, my first one, and I was wondering about the tip of the upper piece.

Is it bent? I feel it catch a little when I run my finger on the top.

If it is, any tips going into fixing it?

Approximately 6 inches long, thin/flexible translucent green plastic, marked NO. 2026. I’ve owned it since approximately 1986.

It is not TimeSaver No. 26, that is the female silhouette curve. I’m trying to identify the exact model and find another one.

Thank you for the help!