rule pen compass attachment
Date: 1940-1970
Inventory Number: 2003-1-0249
Classification: Drawing Instrument
Subject:
Maker: American ?
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
0.7 × 1 × 8.5 cm (1/4 × 3/8 × 3 3/8 in.)
Material:
Description:
The rule pen has a tiered steel handle that can be attached to a drafting compass. It has two pointed ends, one straight and one curved slightly toward the other. There is a round adjustment screw attached to the pointed ends for adjusting their distance from each other and with them, the width of the lines drawn.
Signedunsigned
Inscribedengraved in instrument arm: 55
FunctionThe rule pens permit the user to draw consistent inked lines of adjustable thickness. The pointed ends are dipped into ink or some other drawing liquid, and the ink is held between the points by surface tension and released onto a surface below in lines of consistent width.