Collections Item Detail
Paragon drafting machine; counterbalance weight, 1370-2, made by Keuffel & Esser Co., (Hoboken), n.d., ca. 1953-1960.
Object/Artifact
Paragon drafting machine with counterbalance weight, 1370-2, made by Keuffel & Esser Company, (Hoboken), no date, circa 1953-1960. Metal and plastic. Variable dimensions as used; folded closed without scales attached, circa 46" x 12" x 8". Serial number: L279601. No scales (as issued.) Lacking: instruction booklet. Includes: key for removing scales.
No model number appears on the item other than a serial number, the K&E logo, manufacturer's plate on the anchor (clamp) with model name "K&E Paragon" and a U.S. patent number. This patent number, 2,644,238, issued July 1953 (PDF of patent attached to this file), indicates manufacturing date of 1953 or later. (Note once piece does have the number B-21861 on it, but as it is a cast metal part, it is probably a mold pattern number.)
The 1370-2 has 24" arms and was introduced in the 40th edition catalog of 1944 and continued through the 42nd edition catalog of 1954. Listed in catalog for drawings up to 36" x 60".
K&E main offices and factory were in Hoboken during the period when this was manufactured.
2009.006.0270
2009.006
Lukacs, Claire
Gift
Museum Collections. Gift of a friend of the Museum.
1953 - 1960
Date: 1953-1960
Good
Status: OK Status By: dw Status Date: 2009-11-15