Set of three bar boxes. Central Europe, 18th-19th century

Set of three bar boxes. Central Europe, 18th-19th century.
Steel and bone instruments.
In their wooden boxes lined simulating leather, with damage.
Exhibits wear consistent with age and use.
Measurements: 1,5 x 16 x 9 cm (larger).

These cases illustrate the evolution and importance of technical drawing sets during the 19th century, a key period for the advancement of industry and science, where manual precision was the basis for innovation. They contain a variety of instruments, including compasses with interchangeable legs for drawing pencils or mechanical pencils. Also on display are different sizes of drawing pencils (instruments with two adjustable blades for drawing lines with ink) and spare points or dividing needles. In one of the boxes, the compasses have fine screw adjustment (micrometric), which allow precise control of the radius, as well as perhaps dry-point compasses. The robustness and accuracy of these compasses were vital for engineering work.