How Did A Drafting Inkwell Work?

[Mr Tutt]

Here is a link to a drafting inkwell I found on ebay. I have seen these before and I am curious as to how they worked--how one used the device. Can anyone offer an explanation? Thanks

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Theo-Alteneder-Sons-drafting-inkwell-patent-Nov-14-1930-vintage-milk-glass-/161735796058?rmvSB=true

[ac12]

The one that you linked to seems to have a nib in the cap, but others have a shaft in the cap.

My guess is the shaft on these inkwells were used to put ink into the drafting pens. It would hold ink from the bottle, then you would touch the drafting pen to the shaft and transfer ink from the shaft to the pen. This would keep excessive ink from the tip of the pen, if you were to dip the pen.

The lever on the back looks like something to easily open the ink well with one hand.

[ThyPenMaker]

I did find a photo of one in the up position.

 

[ThyPenMaker]

I sent an email to Sam at Pendemonium with a request for information, this is what he sent.

 

"Hi Thomas - Altender and other brands of drafting inkwells work like this:

You lower the spring into the bottle of ink
Raising the spring brings up a perfect drop of ink
You put your dip pen nib under the drop of ink
Do your drafting thing with the drop of ink
Repeat over and over

Best regards, Sam"

 

I would think this would be perfect for any who use a dip nib a lot.

Thanks, Pendemonium

Edited October 29, 2015 by Inkfillet

[ThyPenMaker]

I suppose this one is next, the dipless (at Pendemonium):

Edited October 29, 2015 by Inkfillet

[uemuraw]

Very cool

[ac12]

Yes, the Esterbrook dipless pens are another rabbit hole to slide into.

[Sammyo]

This topic came up a while ago and might help...

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/279798-mechanical-ink-pen-filler/

[ThyPenMaker]

This topic came up a while ago and might help...

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/279798-mechanical-ink-pen-filler/

Ha! I just referred them to this thread.

[Sasha Royale]

Drafting Pen ? If we are discussing the "ruling pen" used in drawing straight lines, guided by a T-square and triangles, I can offer some insight. Ruling pen is two blades of steel that spring apart to a separation of about 1/8 inch. A screw and nut adjusts the two blades to desired line width. Ink is applied between the two blades. I use to apply ink with the eyedropper of the bottle of drawing ink. This device would raise a "ladle" of ink from the inkwell, allowing the draftsman to transfer a drop of ink to the ruling pen very efficiently. (I think.)

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=Dietzgen+ruling+pen&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS585US585&espv=2&biw=854&bih=523&tbm=isch&imgil=LDxmiTcrg3L_7M%253A%253BFmYVeIsoYqHrlM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.com%25252Fitm%25252FVINTAGE-DIETZGEN-RULING-PEN-IN-ORIGINAL-BOX-made-in-GERMANY-RARE-COLLECTABLE-%25252F111599633588&source=iu&pf=m&fir=LDxmiTcrg3L_7M%253A%252CFmYVeIsoYqHrlM%252C_&dpr=1.5&usg=__VTMAYhNHriSO9fEkCrGTswJNveI%3D&ved=0CCYQyjdqFQoTCMjs6YDy6MgCFUKWiAod7pwAXA&ei=R7MyVoitMcKsogTuuYLgBQ#imgrc=L1nONJ-yVc8qEM%3A&usg=__VTMAYhNHriSO9fEkCrGTswJNveI%3D

 

Have look at the draftsman's ruling pen. I think all this will make sense. If not, then "oh well".

Edited October 30, 2015 by Sasha Royale

[ThyPenMaker]

I don't think the ruling pen is why the drafting ink well was invented. Draftsmen couldn't stick a 3x4 foot drawing in a typewriter and print out the dimensions on it, he had to hand print it all in. I've used the ruling pen and I don't remember it being very good at printing copy.

In 1962 I worked in the copy room at Von Braun's engineering building with hundreds of engineers and I don't recall a single blueprint with italic print on it. It was all monoline.

[Sasha Royale]

Okay. I hand-lettered, as well. I printed in all upper case block letters, using a scratchy old dip pen.

I never had any problems with dipping the pen. How would a slower, intermediate device help in hand-lettering ?

 

I became quite proficient at lettering, just in time for the office to equip everyone with Leroy template sets. All my glory stolen.

[uemuraw]

In 1962 I worked in the copy room at Von Braun's engineering building with hundreds of engineers and I don't recall a single blueprint with italic print on it. It was all monoline.

 

In Huntsville?

[ThyPenMaker]

Yes, Bldg 3200. 3rd floor. It was my first job.

Edited November 1, 2015 by Inkfillet

[Sammyo]

Ha! I just referred them to this thread.

Ha ha ha, great minds...

[uemuraw]

Yes, Bldg 3200. 3rd floor. It was my first job.

 

That is so cool! Did y'all use these sorts of inkwells back then?

[ThyPenMaker]

 

That is so cool! Did y'all use these sorts of inkwells back then?

I really don't know, I was in the copy room, and my clearance wasn't high enough to go exploring.