rule pen
Date: 1900-1950
Inventory Number: 2003-1-0250
Classification: Drawing Instrument
Subject:
Maker: American ?
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
1.2 × 1.2 × 12.3 cm (1/2 × 1/2 × 4 13/16 in.)
Description:
Rule pen with a painted black wooden handle. There are two metal point ends, one straight, one gently curved toward the other. Both points are rusted. There is a brass screw attached to both points with a brass washer on the outside of the curved tip. Users can adjust the placement of the washer to adjust the distance between the two ends and with it, the width of the drawn lines.
Signedunsigned
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.