Is this some sort of compass?

January 1, 2013 12:27 PM

What is this mysterious art supply object?

I found this metal object in a box of old art supplies.
http://i.imgur.com/Vi1r1.jpg

The blue bit unscrews to slide to any spot and then tightens to lock into place.

What could it be?

posted by cirrostratus to Media & Arts (3 answers total)

Best answer: Look for Staedtler 55680 in google and you'll find it's an extension to a compass.
posted by Akke at 12:29 PM on January 1, 2013 [1 favorite]

Best answer: First hit, scroll down a bit:
link
posted by Akke at 12:30 PM on January 1, 2013

Yup. Compass extension for scribing circles (or arcs) larger than the full spread of the compass calipers. That bit at the end that holds the lead can be moved along the length of the arm.
posted by Thorzdad at 12:57 PM on January 1, 2013