Key:
🟡 “Yellow Dot – Nickle-plated on machine-finished cold-rolled steel. Exactly the same design as for the higher-priced instruments - inexpensive instruments especially suitable for secondary school use.”
🔴 “Red Dot – Bright Chrome-plated cold-rolled steel instruments with small parts in bright chrome or stainless steel. Hand-finished. Guaranteed.”
🔵 “Blue Dot – Hand-finished stainless steel instruments for the discriminating draftsman who demands the finest in appearance under severe service. Guaranteed.”
The quotes above are from the VEMCO DRAWING INSTRUMENTS Catalog No. 10-A, 1956.
Though the finish levels and material qualities of each grade varied, when new, all grades functioned equally well. Because Vemco products are now only available as vintage, grade makes a difference, and more so over time. Both Yellow Dot and Red Dot instruments may now have rust, while Blue Dot instruments do not. Later Blue Dot instruments have a bead-blasted finish rather than brushed.
As mentioned on my page, "About Vemco Compasses", because Yellow Dot and Red Dot instruments were made from cold-rolled steel, they needed plating to avoid rust; whereas Blue Dot instruments did not. Stainless steel is naturally corrosion-resistant. As can be seen below, the various finishes took on different appearances. You will see that the bright-chrome finish is white/blue in appearance, whereas the nickel finish is yellower. Nickel, being cheaper than chrome, was used on the Yellow Dot instruments.
Top grain genuine leather case with bright chrome: C-410, C-110, C-230, F-328, P-314, lead/spare parts capsule. NOTE: the P-314 Microliner Ruling Pen is missing from this photo.
Beam Compasses: all beams are hard-rolled structural aluminum alloy; sliders, legs, and couplers are chrome plated cold-rolled steel; and all clamp screws are stainless steel.
X
Model
Name
Max. Rad.
Notes
B-366-6
Beam Attachment
6"
Has an adjustable point. Attaches to a bow compass. Seen in red velvet-lined case.
Has an adjustable point. Attaches to a bow compass. Packaged in a cardboard box. Can use the P382, 43P, or S43P pen attachments for inking, and any of the B-4458 Beam Extensions (with Coupler).
B-366-18
Beam Attachment
8"
Has an adjustable point. Attaches to a bow compass.
B-366-24
Beam Attachment
12"
Has an adjustable point. Attaches to a bow compass.
B-440-6
Velox Beam Compass
6"
Two ends, without need for a bow compass. Packaged in a cardboard box.
B-440-8
Velox Beam Compass
8"
Two ends, without need for a bow compass. Packaged in a cardboard box.
Replaces graphite, and is used in conjunction with the P-59 Extension Shoulder Needle. Seen in blue velvet-lined case. Here is what it looks like in use.
