pantograph
Date: circa 1820
Inventory Number: DW0162
Classification: Pantograph
Subject:
Maker: Peter Hill (1778 - 1845)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
12 x 66 x 12 cm (4 3/4 x 26 x 4 3/4 in.)
Accessories: storage box
two original curatorial information cards
DescriptionThe Pantograph is stored in a long, thin, triangular, mahogany box. The lid and the bottom are attached with hinges along one of the long sides. There is a metal key hole centered along the opposite long side of the bottom of the box. There are two metal hooks attached to the bottom of the box that fit into loops attached to the top of the box to keep it closed.
This Pantograph consists of four brass arms with four pivoting connections. The two longest arms are attached at one end. That end will be referred to as the leftmost extremity of the Pantograph. The two smaller arms are attached at the opposite end. The other end of each smaller arm is attached to one of the longer arms. Both of the longer brass arms are engraved with incremental measures. The smaller arms are attached with a brass slider and screw. Users can loosen the screw in order to slide the ends of the smaller arms to the desired location. The resulting shape of the Pantograph is a single parallelogram with two extended sides.
Each of the four pivot intersections sits atop a small ivory wheel framed in brass.
There is an identical wheel supporting the extended (rightmost) end of one of the longer brass arms. There is a vertical brass stylus attached to this extremity. There is a silver metal puck underneath the extended end of the other long brass arm. The metal puck remains stationary while the rest of the instrument moves.
One of the smaller brass arms is engraved with incremental measures. There is a sliding, brass attachment on that arm. It is attached with a screw that can be loosened, permitting the user to slide it along the arm to a desired measure. The slider is attached to a brass writing implement holder, extending vertically below. Above, there is a small brass dish with a grey molded weight sitting in it. The weight keeps the writing instrument in contact with the surface below.
This Pantograph consists of four brass arms with four pivoting connections. The two longest arms are attached at one end. That end will be referred to as the leftmost extremity of the Pantograph. The two smaller arms are attached at the opposite end. The other end of each smaller arm is attached to one of the longer arms. Both of the longer brass arms are engraved with incremental measures. The smaller arms are attached with a brass slider and screw. Users can loosen the screw in order to slide the ends of the smaller arms to the desired location. The resulting shape of the Pantograph is a single parallelogram with two extended sides.
Each of the four pivot intersections sits atop a small ivory wheel framed in brass.
There is an identical wheel supporting the extended (rightmost) end of one of the longer brass arms. There is a vertical brass stylus attached to this extremity. There is a silver metal puck underneath the extended end of the other long brass arm. The metal puck remains stationary while the rest of the instrument moves.
One of the smaller brass arms is engraved with incremental measures. There is a sliding, brass attachment on that arm. It is attached with a screw that can be loosened, permitting the user to slide it along the arm to a desired measure. The slider is attached to a brass writing implement holder, extending vertically below. Above, there is a small brass dish with a grey molded weight sitting in it. The weight keeps the writing instrument in contact with the surface below.
Signedengraved in script on a brass arm: P. Hill Edinr
FunctionThe Pantograph is a motion transfer mechanical linkage used to make re-scaled but otherwise identical copies of two dimensional drawings and maps. Users first select the desired ratio of reproduction by adjusting the placement of the smaller brass arms on the larger ones and by placing the writing implement holder at the appropriate increment. Users then trace the original two-dimensional image with the brass stylus and motion will be transferred through the pivot points of the parallelogram such that the drawing implement will draw the desired re-scaled image on the surface below.
Curatorial RemarksThe mahogany case has been restored.