2-835-411 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Large compass from a drafting tool kit used by architect John S. Chase. Chase (1925-2012) was the first licensed African-American architect in the state of Texas, and the first African-American to serve on the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. The metal compass has a grooved handle and adjustable circle at the top. The hinge is attached to two (2) legs. There is a central wheel between the legs. The bottom of one leg has a metal needle point. The other has a lower hinged tip with a screw closure. A piece of graphite is secured at the bottom of the leg. One leg is engraved with [K & E CO / GERMANY].