Vintage K&E Drafting Compass Set Made in Germany – Complete Engineering Geometry Kit
Viridian Eclection
The Set
A complete vintage drafting set by Keuffel & Esser, manufactured in Germany in the middle of the twentieth century.
The set holds a full range of drafting tools, compasses, dividers, an extension arm, interchangeable tips and a lead holder, each seated in its original fitted case lined with deep blue velvet.
The instruments retain a clean chrome finish with minimal wear, and the mechanical components remain intact and appear functional.
History & Provenance
Keuffel & Esser was among the most significant names in the drafting trade, and sets carrying the K&E mark were held to professional standard rather than to the level of student equipment. This example was made in Germany during a period when precision instruments were still built for professional use rather than mass production.
Sets of this pattern were the working equipment of engineers, architects and draftsmen, essential for technical drawing before the shift to digital design.
The dating of the 1950s through the 1970s rests on the brand marking, the German manufacture and the construction of the case and instruments.
Product Details
| Maker | Keuffel & Esser, known as K&E |
| Origin | Made in Germany |
| Era | c. 1950s to 1970s |
| Form | Drafting and geometry compass set |
| Contents | Compass, divider, extension arm, interchangeable tips, lead holder |
| Materials | Metal construction with chrome finish |
| Case | Original fitted case with blue velvet interior |
| Condition | Very good vintage condition, light wear consistent with age. Components intact and appear functional |
| Use | Engineering, drafting, geometry, collectible display |
| Dimensions | To be confirmed |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
A fitted case of chrome instruments on blue velvet is a composition in itself. Opened on a shelf or a desk it reads as an object of design as much as of use.
It suits a study, an office, or a library wall of technical material, and it belongs with anyone drawn to industrial design, engineering history or analog craftsmanship.
The balance here is usability, condition and presentation together, which is what a collector or a designer wants from a set of this kind.
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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