Rare Antique Draftsman’s Ruling Pen or Lifting Nib Pen by Cary, London c1880

 

This Ruling Pen would most likely have been part of a set of drawing instruments alongside a compass, rulers, and a turn-screw. Ruling pens were used for highly technical drawings such as architectural, engineering and cartographic plans. This pen in particular was made for creating thin lines and accurate drawing strokes. The tip is a flexible metal jaw which the user can adjust by turning a dial. To use the pen, the user would dissolve a block of black ink and painted the tip of the ruling pen black before setting it to paper.

 

This drawing pen has a spring inside the point to draw the tips of the point together when the screw is tightened to make a narrower line. The point is also jointed, so when the screw is removed, one side of the point may be opened to a 90° angle. This form of drawing pen is often called a "lifting-nib" or "jointed" pen was supposed to be easier to clean than a standard drawing pen. The nib is engraved close to the adjusting dial or screw, it has the initials ‘B.R.C.’ The pen has beautifully turned handle with the makers name embossed:

CARY LONDON

 

The ruling pen is offered in good antique condition, it measures approx. 15.1cm in length.

 

This is a superb antique draughtsman's pocket ruling pen, a collector's item that is exceptionally difficult to find.

 

Please see pictures for more details.

 

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