Welcome to Vintage Instruments: Slide Rules and More

This new set of 56 K+E Copenhagen, Luxite, Ship Curves in a wooden case would make a wonderful gift for a special occasion. These may be the only new sets of these curves available anywhere.

The pictures below include one from the 1972 K+E catalog, showing all 56 curves, the longest of which is about 24 inches. The case itself is 26 x 7 x 2 inches and has a lift-out tray with three sections which holds the smaller curves.

The curvature of the box in the pictures is due to the camera, not the box itself.

K+E sold many fine drafting sets. Pictured here are several later models, made for K+E by the German firm, Haff. I have some used, but very useable, sets that range in price from $100 to $175, with the occasional very large set (not shown) for up to $300.

If you are interested, please click on Total Catalog at the top of the page, then go to the Drafting Instruments section and Search for K+E to see what is available.

Or, if you would like to see all of the drafting instruments avaiable, all types and makers, please use the Total Catalog button at the top of the page and then Browse in the Drafting Instruments section.

The Blue Dot series was Vemco's finest. This 6 1/2 inch friction divider is new in box, with a brushed stainless steel finish.

The Blue Dot series was Vemco's finest. This 7 inch large bow compass is new in box, with a brushed stainless steel finish.

Pictured is the Omicron Ellipsograph Model 17 for drawing ellipses of up to 12 inches on the major axis. The instruments are used, but in good useable condition. Each set has the instrument, instructions, and box and is priced at $125.

Also available, sometimes, is the Model 25, for drawing larger ellipses. If you are interested in the Model 25, please let me know, using the Questions and Wants button at the top of this page. PLEASE NOTE: The $125 shown as the price, below, is for the Model 17 only. The Model 25 is $275 and can be ordered by sending me a note with the Questions and Wants button at the top of the page.

In addition, I often have several other types of mechanical ellipse drawing devices, such as those by Haff and Randles. Please use the Questions and Wants button to request information on these.

Drafting instruments have a long history and many were made both for utility and beauty. Some are collectable and make special gifts for architects, engineers, artists, and others interested in historical drafting tools. A few examples are shown in the pictures below.

To see all of the drafting instruments available, please click on the Total Catalog button at the top of the page and then Browse in the Drafting Instruments section. If you have a specific item or type in mind, you can use the Search function there to find it.

Equal spacing dividers allow division of a line into ten equal segments. The instruments range in size from 6 inches to 12 inches in length with a corresponding broader reach. I have several, from various makers.

If you are interested in futher information, please click on the Total Catalog button at the top of this page, go to the Drafting Instruments section, and Search for the term equal.

A very nice set of three, new, French curves, marked Gramercy, Denmark, numbers 80, 81, and 83. The curves are clear Lucite, and are about 5 inches, 7 inches, and 9 inches long.

Proportional dividers allow the transfer of measurements from one area to another, aletered by a constant proportional factor. They come in sizes from 6 to 12 inches.

I have several, made by various manufacturers. To see them, please click on the Total Catalog button at the top of the page. Then Search in the Drafting Instrument section for the term proportional.