weighted foot for pantograph
Date: circa 1930
Inventory Number: 5140b
Classification: Pantograph
Subject:
Attributed to: Keuffel & Esser Company (1867 - 1987)
User: Department of Geology and Geography, Harvard University (1890 - 1961)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
6 x 24 x 17 cm (2 3/8 x 9 7/16 x 6 11/16 in.)
Description:
The weight is mounted on a rectangular wooden platform, slightly off center. The weight consists of a short cylindrical iron puck encased in ebonite. A circular dish is carved out of the wooden platform, in which the puck sits. A rectangular wooden bar with a round brass thumb screw at each end runs across the top of the puck, holding it in place. The wooden bar can be removed and the puck can be removed from the wooden platform. The puck is accompanied by a cylindrical, tapered brass pin. There is a hole in the top of the puck into which the pin can be placed, and with which the puck can be attached to the pantograph. In one corner of the wooden platform is a cylindrical cork post. The cork serves as the holder for the pin, which can be inserted by its pointed end.
Signedunsigned
FunctionThis is an optional weighted foot for use with a pantograph. The foot serves to fix a point on the pantograph parallelogram in place, rendering the mechanical motion transfer of the pantograph more accurate and steady.
The Pantograph is a motion transfer mechanical linkage used to make re-scaled but otherwise identical copies of two dimensional figures (including drawings, letters, 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 adjusting the placement of the stylus and writing implement holder. 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.
This specific pantograph and weight set was used by the Department of Geology and Geography at Harvard University, likely for cartographic purposes.
The Pantograph is a motion transfer mechanical linkage used to make re-scaled but otherwise identical copies of two dimensional figures (including drawings, letters, 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 adjusting the placement of the stylus and writing implement holder. 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.
This specific pantograph and weight set was used by the Department of Geology and Geography at Harvard University, likely for cartographic purposes.
Curatorial RemarksAlthough the weight is unsigned, it is the known partner of 5140a, and as such we know it to be manufactured by Keuffel & Esser Co.
ProvenanceFrom the Deparment of Geology, Harvard University, 25 January 1966.
