Two boxes of drawing instruments and compasses E.O. Richter. Germany, late 19th century

Set of two boxes of drawing instruments and compasses E.O. Richter. Germany, late 19th century.
Brass and steel.
Complete.
In wooden box with wear, lined in leather-like cloth.
Exhibits wear consistent with age and use.
Golden label of the firm "Präcision - E.O. Richter & Co".
Measurements: 2 x 18 x 7 cm (larger).

Box of technical drawing instruments with precision compasses. Among the preserved instruments, various types of compasses can be identified (stick, precision, articulated arms), extenders, mechanical pencils and interchangeable parts.

This set represents a piece of technical heritage, not only for its manufacturing quality and completeness, but also as a material testimony of the rise of technical drawing as a fundamental discipline in engineering, architecture and technical education of the time.

The history of the compass as an instrument of precision dates back to Ancient Greece, where it was used in geometric demonstrations and mathematical studies. While earlier civilizations such as the Egyptians used taut strings to draw curves, the compass evolved as a creative tool, passing through Roman, Islamic and Renaissance hands. From the 17th century onwards, the rise of navigation, cartography and engineering led to the birth of workshops specializing in scientific instruments, many of which produced ornate compasses.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the development of precision mechanics and the Industrial Revolution gave rise to manufactures such as E.O. Richter & Co. founded in Saxony, Germany. At the beginning of the 20th century, this company became one of the most important in the world in the manufacture of compasses and technical drawing utensils, standing out for its innovation, such as the development of the eccentric whisker.