Box of compasses and measuring instruments. England, second half of the 19th century

Box of compasses and measuring instruments. England, second half of the 19th century.
Steel and bone instruments.
Mahogany box with mother-of-pearl inlay decoration and brass keyhole.
Exhibits wear consistent with age and use.
The key is missing.
Measurements: 3,5 x 19 x 10 cm.

Instrument box, manufactured by the Swiss firm Kern & Co at the end of the 19th century. Switzerland, by then synonymous with high quality watchmaking and precision mechanics, extended its reputation to the creation of optical and drawing devices. The case, with a wooden core and imitation leather lining, has an interior lined with russet-colored velvet. It houses measuring and drawing instruments made with the utmost precision in steel and bone: angle protractor, bar compass and other types of compasses with interchangeable accessories for attaching nibs and drawing lines. The tips of these accessories are made of steel, while the handles and some details are made of bone.