Bidspirit auction | Picken Square Drafting Tool, 1916

Picken Square Drafting Tool, 1916 - This is an antique specialized pattern drafting tool known as The Picken Square, constructed from green-enameled metal. The L-shaped instrument features a variety of integrated curves and complex measurement scales used for garment design. The face of the tool is extensively inscribed with instructional text and scale identifiers. The following text is readable on the surface: THE PICKEN SQUARE A SYSTEM OF SCALES AND CURVES DESIGNED FOR USE IN THE DRESSMAKING COURSE OF THE WOMAN'S INSTITUTE OF DOMESTIC ARTS AND SCIENCES INC. It further bears the inscriptions COPYRIGHT, 1915, BY INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING COMPANY and PATENTED NOVEMBER 14, 1916. The tool includes specific drafting curves labeled as follows: Short Arm Curve (Referred to in text as S.A.C.), Long Arm Curve (Referred to in text as L.A.C.), Front and Back Curve (Referred to in text as F.B.C.), and Reverse Front Curve (Referred to in text as F.C.). The two main sections are identified as LOWER SIDE and UPPER SIDE. Integrated linear scales include markings for FOURTHS, SIXTHS, THIRDS, and EIGHTHS, as well as a standard inch scale along the outer edges. A small circular aperture is present near the corner of the square. The long arm of the square measures approximately 26.5 inches and the short arm measures approximately 12 inches.