DescriptionK&E Motoraser, Electric Erasing Machine, ???, made by Keuffel & Esser Co. No date, ca. 1949-1960. Molded two piece dark green plastic case with metal post for holding eraser (present); pushbutton for operation; 25 watts 120 volt AC motor; gray molded electric cord with plug; hanging ring. With: 4 spare erasers. This motorized device would typically have been used in drafting room work by draftsmen, architects, engineers, etc. Case is lettered on top: K&E Motoraser Keuffel & Esser Co. Bottom has model number: 3474 A. 120V AC. First appeared in 41st edition catalogue of 1949 under this name and stock number. (It has not been found in the 40th edition catalog of 1944 ,but it has been found listed in the December 1, 1944 price list for that catalog as "Pawk Motoraser" and stock N3475A , the 'N' indicating 'new'. Apparently when K&E put their name on it, they changed the number from 3475 from 3474.) Under this stock number it also appears in the 1954 42nd edition. Both catalogues use the same illustration of it which vary from the object here, but that is not usually meaningful as it has been found to be typical of K&E catalogues. The catalogue depiction does not show the two side adjustment screws (motor brushes?) or the hanging ring. K&E changed catalog numbers in the 1956-1962 period and this item was significantly redesigned in that later period (it has seen in catalogues from early 1970s.) This object here with the molded electric cord and plug is probably from 1950s. K&E had their main office and factories in Hoboken when this item was made.