List of VEMCO Compasses, Dividers, and Pens
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.
Standard Finishes
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 above, the various finishes took on different appearances. You can 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.
Black Finish
In the tables on this page you will also find two Red Dot compasses with a black finish. One is 4-1/2" and the other is 6-1/2". They are very old, as the box that the 4-1/2" compass came in has been printed with "FOR VICTORY Buy United States Defense Bonds and Stamps", and may be from the early to mid 1940's. The type of finish is unknown, and may be black oxide, which has a modicum of protection from rust. It may also be chrome plated with a blackened finish but does not appear so. The edges on the smaller of the black compasses has the finish level of a Yellow Dot. Pure speculation here: perhaps these black versions were produced before the company decided on chrome and nickel finishes?
Also, there appears to have been a black version of the Red Dot drop bow compass. So far, only one set of images has been found showing this, and it is part of a beam compass that is unlike any listed on this page. It may be an early design, a prototype, or a one-off invention by a user. The locking levers are similar to those found in drafting machines. If anyone knows more about this unusual beam compass, please let me know.
Tables of Vemco Compasses and Accessories
Empty fields indicate data that I could not find. Similarly, question marks indicate names I am not certain of.
4" Bow Compasses
| X | Dot | Model | Leg Design | Min. Dia. | Max. Dia. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| • | 🔴 | C-230 | Original | 1/16" | 5 1/2" | Bright chrome-plated |
| • | 🔵 | SC-230 | Original | 1/16" | 5 1/2" | Brushed stainless steel |
| • | 🔴 | C-231 | Original | Bright chrome, for inking | ||
| 🔵 | SC-231 | Original | Stainless steel, for inking |
4 1/2" Drop Bow Compasses
| X | Dot | Model | Leg Design | Min. Dia. | Max. Dia. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| • | 🔴 | D-710 | Original | 1/32" | 2" | Bright chrome. With standard Drop Bow Needle. |
| • | 🔴 | D-710 w/Nib | Original | 1/32" | 2" | Using the P58 Pen Attachment required the use of the Long Drop Bow Needle. |
| • | 🔵 | SD-710 ????? | Original | 1/32" | 2" | Brushed stainless steel |
| • | 🔵 | D-580 | Final | Bead blast stainless steel |
4 1/2" Bow Compasses
| X | Dot | Model | Leg Design | Min. Dia. | Max. Dia. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🟡 | 41C | Original | 1/8" | 6 1/2" | Nickel-plated | |
| • | 🔴 | C-410 | Original | 1/8" | 6 1/2" | Bright chrome-plated |
| • | 🔴 | C-411 | Original | Bright chrome-plated, for inking | ||
| • | 🔵 | SC-410 | Original | 1/8" | 6 1/2" | Stainless Steel - Seen in S-171L set. |
| • | 🔵 | ????? | Final | Fine brushed stainless steel. | ||
| • | 🔵 | S-570 | Final | Bead blast stainless steel. Has model number "S-570" stamped on the center thumbscrew. |
6 1/2" Bow Compasses
| X | Dot | Model | Leg Design | Min. Dia. | Max. Dia. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| • | 🟡 | 40-C | Original | 1/8" | 10" | Nickel-plated |
| • | 🔴 | C-110 Shiny | Original | 1/8" | 10" | Bright chrome-plated. Comes in Vemco cardboard box. |
| • | 🔴 | C-110 Brushed | Original | 1/8" | 10" | Bright chrome-plated, fine brushed finish. Seen in blue velvet-lined case. A "POST" box labels it "9200". |
| • | 🔴 | C-110 Black | Original | 1/8" | 10" | Black coating, fine brushed finish, found in this Dietrich Post set. |
| • | 🔵 | SC-110 | Original | 1/8" | 10" | Stainless Steel - Seen in S-171L set. |
| • | 🟡 | ????? | Slimline | 1/16" | 13 1/4" | Nickel-plated. Smaller thickness and width legs, higher thumbscrew location, smaller bow spring and other parts. |
| 🔴 | ????? | Slimline | 1/16" | 13 1/4" | Bright chrome-plated. Smaller-width legs, and higher thumbscrew location, described on back of packaging of the SC-500. | |
| • | 🔵 | SC-500 | Slimline | 1/16" | 13 1/4" | Stainless steel. Smaller-width legs, and higher thumbscrew location. |
| • | 🔵 | ????? | Final | 1/16" | 13 1/4" | Fine brushed stainless steel. Large bow spring diameter. |
| • | 🔵 | L-560 | Final | 1/16" | 13 1/4" | Bead blast stainless steel. Large bow spring diameter. Has model number "L-560" stamped on the center thumbscrew. |
6 1/2" Speed Bow Compasses
| X | Dot | Model | Leg Design | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • | 🟡 | 45C | Original | Nickel-plated, has a push button release for speed adjustment. The thumb wheel adjusts the opening at half-speed. |
| 🔴 | C-220 | Original | Bright Chrome-plated, has a push button release for speed adjustment. The thumb wheel adjusts the opening at half-speed. | |
| 🔵 | SC-220 | Original | Brushed stainless steel, has a push button release for speed adjustment. The thumb wheel adjusts the opening at half-speed. | |
| • | 🔵 | SB-550 | Later | Bead blast stainless steel. Instead of bow spring, it has a plastic erector. Has model number "SB-550" stamped on the center thumbscrew. |
6 1/2" Friction Dividers, 7" capacity
| X | Dot | Model | Leg Design | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • | 🟡 | 42-C | Original | Nickel-plated. Has metal erector and original knurled handle. |
| • | 🔴 | F-328 | Original | Shiny Bright chrome-plated. Has metal erector, detents for opening grip, and original knurled handle. |
| • | 🔴 | F-328 | Original | Brushed Bright chrome-plated, brushed finish. Has metal erector, detents for opening grip, and original knurled handle. |
| • | 🔵 | SF-328 | Original | Stainless Steel - Seen in original packaging. Has metal erector, detents for opening grip, and original knurled handle. |
| • | 🟡 | 42-C | Later | Nickel-plated. Has metal erector and original knurled handle. |
| • | 🔴 | ????? | Later | Fine brushed steel finish and original knurled handle. Has metal erector. |
| • | 🔵 | SF-590 ????? | Later | Fine brushed stainless steel and triple knurling on handle. Has metal erector. |
| • | 🔵 | SF-590 ????? | Later | Bead blasted stainless steel and triple knurling on handle. Has metal erector. |
| • | 🔵 | F-590 | Final | Bead blasted stainless steel and triple knurling on handle. Has plastic erector. |
Drawing Sets
| X | Dot | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔴 | A-171L | Described in Mossner Catalog 159. Top grain genuine leather case with bright chrome: C-410, C-110, F-328, 43P, P-314, lead/spare parts capsule. | |
| 🔴 | A-171L Special | 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. | |
| • | 🔵 | S-171L | Top grain genuine leather case with: SC-410, SC-110, SF-328, S43P, SP-314, lead/spare parts capsule. |
| • | 🔴 | Post 9206 | Cardboard box with: C-110, P-58, P-65, P-59, lead/spare parts capsule. |
| • | 🔴 | Dietrich Post | BLACK COMPASS, In Leatherette blue velvet-lined case with: BLACK C-110, P-58, P-65, P-59, lead/spare parts capsule. |
| • | 🔴 | Small Set | CHROME COMPASS, In Leatherette, blue velvet-lined case with flaps and snaps: C-110, P-58, P-65, lead/spare parts capsule. |
| • | 🔴 | Medium Set | In Leatherette blue velvet-lined case with flaps and snaps: C-410, C-110, P-58, P-65, lead/spare parts capsule. |
| • | 🔴 | Medium Large Set | In Leatherette blue velvet-lined case with flaps and snaps: C-410, C-110, Red Dot divider, P-58, P-314, lead/spare parts capsule. |
| • | 🔴 | Large Set | In Leatherette blue velvet-lined hinged wooden box with clasps: C-411, D-710, C-410, two C-110 compasses, P-58, P-65, Extra Long Drop Bow Needle, lead/spare parts capsule. |
| • | 🔵 | Modern Set | Red velvet-lined metal case with snap: S-570, L-560, F-590, B-366-6 beam attachment, lead/spare parts capsule. |
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. All Velox beam compasses work with the P382 Pen Attachment.
| X | Model | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beam Attachments | |||
| • | B-366-6 | 6-1/2" | Has an adjustable point. Attaches to a bow compass. Seen in red velvet-lined case. |
| B-366-18 | 8" | Has an adjustable point. Attaches to a bow compass. | |
| B-366-12 | 12" | 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-366-24 | 24" | Has an adjustable point. Attaches to a bow compass. | |
| B-366-36 | 36" | Has an adjustable point. Attaches to a bow compass. | |
| Velox Beam Compasses | |||
| • | B-440-8 | 8-1/2" | Two ends, without need for a bow compass. Packaged in a cardboard box. |
| • | B-440-12 | 12" | Two ends, without need for a bow compass. Packaged in a cardboard box. The one shown here also has a 12" B-4458 Beam Extension (with Coupler) |
| B-440-18 | 18" | Two ends, without need for a bow compass. Packaged in a cardboard box. | |
| • | B-440-24 | 24" | Two ends, without need for a bow compass. Packaged in a cardboard box. |
| B-440-36 | 36" | Two ends, without need for a bow compass. Packaged in a cardboard box. | |
| Beam Extensions with Coupler | |||
| • | B-4458-6 | 6" | Available in 6 sizes. Attaches to any Beam Attachment or Velox Beam Compass. |
| • | B-4458-8 | 8" | Available in 6 sizes. Attaches to any Beam Attachment or Velox Beam Compass. |
| • | B-4458-12 | 12" | Attaches to any Beam Attachment or Velox Beam Compass. |
| B-4458-18 | 18" | Attaches to any Beam Attachment or Velox Beam Compass. | |
| B-4458-24 | 24" | Attaches to any Beam Attachment or Velox Beam Compass. | |
| B-4458-36 | 36" | Attaches to any Beam Attachment or Velox Beam Compass. | |
| Velox Sets | |||
| • | ?????????? | Beam Compass Set | Contains: the Velox B-440-8, two B-4458-8 extensions with couplers, P610 inking nib, and plastic points/graphite cylinder. Packaged in a lined metal case. |
Accessories
| X | Model | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEEDLES | |||
| • | 1-6 | Shoulder Needle | This needle has a small, stepped-in point to limit paper penetration. |
| • | 1-7 | Divider Needle | This needle has a sharp tapered point. |
| • | P-59 | Extension Shoulder Needle | Supplied with each pen attachment. Has a small, stepped-in point to limit paper penetration. |
| • | S-59 | Stainless steel Extension Shoulder Needle | For use with pen attachments on compasses. Has a small, stepped-in point to limit paper penetration. |
| • | 7-7 | Drop Bow Needle | For use with a Drop Bow Compass and graphite tip. |
| • | 7-9 | Long Shaft Drop Bow Needle | For use with the P-58 Pen Attachment on a Drop Bow Compass. |
| COMPASS ATTACHMENTS | |||
| • | P-58 | Compass Pen Attachment | Hardened spring steel. 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. |
| • | PA-1 | Technical Pen Adapter | - |
| • | PA-2 | Technical Pen Adapter | For use with Leroy and Rapidograph pens. Here is the Instruction Sheet. |
| PENS | |||
| 35p | Long Blade Ruling Pen 5 1/2" | - | |
| • | 39p | Long Blade Ruling Pen 5 1/2" | Simialr to ORTHO, but machined from round tool steel. |
| 43PH | 43H Pen Handle with 43P Pen Attachment 5-1/2" | Tool steel attachment is detachable. | |
| • | PH610 | Pen 5 1/2" | Composed of the H610 handle and P610 stainless steel pen nib. The nib is replacable. Any nib that has the same type of flattened portion can fit the handle. |
| • | P-65 | Ruling Pen 5 1/4" | Broad swedish type pen tha holds a large amount of ink. |
| P-305 | ORTHO Long Blade Ruling Pen 5 1/2" | Surgical steel | |
| SP-305 | ORTHO Long Blade Ruling Pen 5 1/2" | Stainless steel | |
| • | P-314 | MICROLINER Ruling Pen 5-1/2" | Surgical steel |
| P-387 | 43H Pen Handle with P382 Pen Attachment 5-1/2" | Surgical steel attachment is detachable. | |
| SP-387 | 43H Pen Handle with SP382 Pen Attachment 5-1/2" | Stainless steel attachment is detachable. | |
| • | SP-314 | Microliner Ruling Pen | Stainless Steel - Seen in S-171L set. |
| HANDLES | |||
| 43H | Micro Pen Handle 5-1/2" when attachment is installed. | Works with 43P and P382 Pen Attachments. | |
| P-386 | Micro Pen Handle | - | |
| • | H610 | Pen 5 1/2" | Plastic, aluminum, and spring steel. Fits the P610 pen nib. Together they are the PH610. |
| PEN ATTACHMENTS | |||
| 43P | Micro Pen Attachment | Tool steel | |
| • | P610 | Pen Attachment | Stainless steel. Fits the H610 handle. Together they are the PH610. |
| P-382 | Micro Pen Attachment | Surgical steel | |
| SP-382 | Micro Pen Attachment | Stainless Steel - Seen in genuine leather case. | |
| SP-387 | Micro Pen Attachment | Stainless Steel - Seen in genuine leather case. | |
| • | S43P | Micro Pen Attachment | Stainless Steel - Seen in S-171L set. |
| CAPSULES | |||
| • | ????? | Spare Parts Capsule | For storing 1-6 shoulder needles, 1-7 divider needles, and/or spare leads. |
