Four cases containing compasses and drawing instruments. Denmark and Germany, second half of the 19th century

Set of four technical drawing instrument cases. Germany and Denmark, ca. 1920.
One of them is dated “1924.”
Brass and steel instruments.
With their original imitation-leather-covered cases, lined with velvet.
Marked E. O. Richter, “Chemnitzer Schul-Reisszeug,” and Cornelius Knudsen, Copenhagen.
One of the cases bears the business inscription “Frederik Preisler, Købmagergade 13.”
Complete sets.
Condition: signs of use, wear, and patina consistent with their age. The cases show scuffs, missing lining, and minor damage, none of which affect the integrity of the instruments.
Measurements: 2 x 14 x 8 cm (largest case).

An attractive set of four cases containing precision drawing instruments, including pieces associated with two major European names in technical instrumentation: the German manufacturer E. O. Richter, of Chemnitz, and the Danish firm Cornelius Knudsen, of Copenhagen.
The cases contain compasses and dividers of various types, drawing pens, extenders, tips, and interchangeable accessories, as well as a graduated set square and protractor. Each instrument is housed in a compartment specifically tailored to its shape, a testament to the care with which these professional and academic tools were designed.

Of particular interest is the item identified as “Chemnitzer Schul-Reisszeug,” the name of the famous line of instruments developed by E. O. Richter in Chemnitz. Founded in 1875, the German manufacturer played a prominent role in the modernization of drafting tools, combining precision mechanics with industrial manufacturing. The case also bears the inscription of the Danish firm Frederik Preisler, Købmagergade 13, as well as the date “1924,” which provides a particularly valuable chronological reference for the collection.

Another of the cases bears the crowned mark of Cornelius Knudsen, Kjøbenhavn, a firm founded in 1838 and specializing in scientific, optical, nautical, and topographic instruments. Its products achieved notable international prestige between the late 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century, being used in both scientific and professional fields.

The fact that four sets of instruments are preserved together in their original cases—originating from the major instrument-making centers of Chemnitz and Copenhagen—makes this lot a fascinating testament to the culture of technical drawing and the teaching of engineering, architecture, and cartography in the early decades of the 20th century.