Large Antique Dietzgen Wood and Cast Iron Drafting Table c.1930
ABOUT
A large fully adjustable industrial drafting table with solid wood top, cast iron base, original label and brass ID tag. Large pull out drawer which is unusual for drafting tables. Solid cast iron base and army green metal rotating brackets. Army green painted brass drawer pull and key hole. The table can be used as a tall dining table, desk or drafting table. The top swivels at any angle and from either side. The whole table can be lowered or raised to the height you chose.
This drafting table was used in the NASA Life Sciences Department at Moffett Federal Airfield south of San Francisco.
- CREATOR Dietzgen Drafting Company, Chicago.
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DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1930.
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MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Cast Iron, Steel, Brass, Solid Wood.
- CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
- DIMENSIONS Table Height 32.75-43 in. W 72 in. D 41.75 in., Top: 1 in thick, Drawer: H 4 in. W 10.5 in. D 25 in.
HISTORY
Eugene Dietzgen (1862-1929) was born in Germany. Joseph Dietzgen, a socialist philosopher, was his father. At the age of two, Eugene accompanied his father to Tsarist Russia.
In 1881, Eugene was sent to America to avoid the Kaiser's draft and hide some of his father's socialist literature. He found employment with a German drafting company.
After moving to Chicago, Dietzgen founded the Eugene Dietzgen Drafting Company in 1885. The company was a supply house for engineering tools and a manufacturers’ representative in Chicago. Dietzgen manufactured the first American slide rule in 1885.
In 1893, Eugene Dietzgen Drafting Company began manufacturing drawing boards, T-squares, surveying instruments, and other engineering supplies. The factory was located at 218 2rd Street in Chicago. It remained in operation until 1975.
