c.1920s Riefler German Drafting Instrument Set in Original Green Case
Viridian Eclection
The Set
A German drafting instrument set presented in its original fitted green case, the interior shaped so each piece seats in its own bed.
The set includes a beam compass, dividers, ruling pens, extension arms and interchangeable tips, all made for precision technical drawing. Construction is steel, with components that appear nickel plated.
The design is modular. Arms, points and pen nibs exchange between holders so one body serves several purposes. Weight is balanced and the machining is clean, with the mechanical accuracy typical of early twentieth century German engineering.
The instruments carry a light patina. The case shows edge wear and interior aging.
History & Provenance
The set is attributed to Riefler. That attribution is uncertain and rests on idiom and construction rather than on a clear maker's mark, so it should be read as probable rather than settled.
Dating is arrived at the same way. The form of the beam compass, the style of the ruling pens and the fitted green case place the set in the 1920s or 1930s.
These were tools made when drafting was done entirely by hand and accuracy depended wholly on the quality of the instrument. Durability and refined craftsmanship were not separate concerns, and the set reflects both.
The set appears mostly complete, though it may be missing minor original components.
Product Details
| Maker | Riefler, attributed. The attribution is uncertain |
| Era | c. 1920s to 1930s |
| Origin | Germany |
| Form | Drafting instrument set in a fitted case |
| Materials | Steel, likely nickel plated components |
| Set Includes | Beam compass, dividers, ruling pens, extension arms, interchangeable tips |
| Case | Original fitted green case |
| Function | Technical drawing, drafting and engineering use |
| Completeness | Appears mostly complete. May be missing minor original components |
| Dimensions | To be confirmed |
| Condition | Vintage condition with age appropriate wear. Case shows edge wear and interior aging. Instruments show light patina |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
An open instrument case is one of the most effective small displays in a room. The fitted green interior organizes the steel into a composition, so the whole reads as a single object rather than as a box of parts.
It suits a study, a library shelf, an architect's or engineer's office, or a cabinet of instruments. Closed it is a handsome case, open it is a drawing in its own right.
For a collector the interest is the early date and the near completeness of the set. For a designer it is the quiet authority of tools built for serious work, which gives a room a note of discipline without any decoration at all.
Every piece is packed with professional-grade materials: multiple foam layers, double-boxing, directional and fragile handling labels. For large furniture we use custom timber crating. We photograph packing before dispatch and can provide images on request.
White-glove delivery is complimentary within 100 miles of Reno, NV. National shipping quotes provided at checkout. All shipments are photographed and documented. Damage claims must be filed with the carrier; we provide all documentation needed to support your claim.
Local pickup is available at Viridian HQ (Reno, NV) with 2–4 days notice. Contact us to arrange. Visit the Eclection on Tuesdays, 10 am to 4 pm.
All antique and vintage items are sold as described and all sales are final. Each listing includes detailed condition notes and photographs so you can make a fully informed decision. We encourage buyers to ask questions — about condition, dimensions, finish, provenance — before purchasing.
Antiques are irreplaceable and one-of-a-kind. Carrier handling is outside our control once a piece has left our facility, and major carriers including FedEx do not insure antiques. We do everything within our power to ensure safe transit, but cannot accept liability for carrier damage. If damage occurs in transit, we will provide full documentation to support your carrier claim.
Have a question? — we're happy to provide additional photos, condition detail, or discuss the piece directly.
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