Pantograph engraving, milling machine and accompanying parts, 1865, associated with geometric lathe by Bryan Donkin and Co., c.1821.
This machine was was constructed by Bryan Donkin and Co. in 1865, and its main purpose was to mill the bronze blocks which ultimately formed the interlocking compound security printing plates which were engraved with complex mathematical patterns by Donkin's 1821 geometric lathe (inv. 2008-26). Initially, the bronze blocks were cast bronze, but a better and more accurate fit between the two could be reached if they were milled instead. This machine was adapted from a planing machine previously used by Donkin in the construction of papermaking machinery. Thereafter, both machines, the lathe and pantograph, worked until the 1950s in conditions of closely-guarded secrecy.
The pantograph differs fundamentally from all other known machine pantographs; rather than the pantograph arm, or ‘scissor’ carrying a tool and stylus over the work piece and template, it performs the opposite function of moving the workpiece and template under the fixed tool and stylus. This scissor closely resembles the reduction mechanisms used by draftsmen and cartographers of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, further evidence of its early and unique development.
Pantograph engraving machine
Metal template with engraved scrollwork and lettering HYDERABAD ASSIGNED DISTRICTS on brass, 1889 (on pantograph)
Rectangular metal holder
Curved metal holder
Wooden template base, oval shaped, in three parts
Wooden template base, oval shaped, one of three parts
Wooden template base, oval shaped, one of three parts
Wooden template base, oval shaped, one of three parts
Wooden template base, oval shaped
Wooden template base, oval shaped
Wooden template base, oval shaped
Metal template base, ovoid (12”)
Spare arm for holding workpiece on pantograph
Box of pantograph parts and accessories: 4 long, 1 short template followers; 19 rollers; 2 half made collets; 16 collets/tools; 15 collets with cutting tools attached; 20 cutting tools; 4 stepped height-setting blocks; 9 height-setting blocks, various shapes; 1 x 5/6 coarse thread tap (hand-made); small square-thread lead screw; high-speed steel radius cutter in block, marked T1117 for BD 310/DA/O; hinged metal part marked SIMMS, and loose screw attachment; latch lever; universal joint with small gear, bronze; gear wheel with handle; gauge?; shaft with universal joint; 7 miscellaneous metal bits
Box of pantograph parts: 2 hardened steel spindle bushes; mild steel cover for spindle; 2 end plates for steel cover, with felt washers; trial of script on metal oddment; screw plate made from old file; 3 floor wedges; 5 steel clamps; 2 square spanners; half-made part jig for movables; height limiting block; cardboard box of bits; box of miscellaneous bits
Collection of 8 ovals for die centres
Collection of 6 ovals for die centres.
Collection of ovals for die centres.
Collection of ovals for die centres.
Box of movables and date plugs
17 curved moveables (not engraved)
9 curved moveables, engraved
Bag of metal borders for dies
Wooden template, oval, with metal lettering and wooden script plate attached, for Hyderabad Residency Copying Fee die 1878-1941
Wooden template, oval, with metal script plates attached (for border and spares), 1875
Wooden template, oval, with metal border design for Hyderabad die, 1896-1950
Metal template, open centre, with border scripts and BOMBAY STAMP OFFICE, 1869-71
Metal template with pierced pattern for bottom plate, Hyderabad Court Fee, 1889-96
Metal template with pattern for bottom plate, Hyderabad Court Fee, 1889-96
Wooden template base, oval, in two parts, with lettering on metal border
Wooden template base, oval, one of two parts, with lettering on metal border
Wooden template base, oval, one of two parts, with lettering on metal border
Curved metal Frame
Metal plate, approx 11” x 12”
Metal oval in two halves
Metal rectangle with oval hole
Metal interlocking shapes for template for base of die
Wooden lettering on irregular board –IGH- ANNAS
Wooden lettering –R-E RUP--- --GT –NNAS
Two templates for script, on irregular board
Wooden template IN on wooden board
Wooden template with lettering FIFTEEN RUPEES
Wooden template with lettering THREE
Wooden template with lettering ONE RUPEE
8 assorted templates for scripts
Box of six rings (for movables); four ovals for borders and two parts
Interlocking pair of metal templates, oval, for top and bottom plates of oval die
Interlocking pair of metal templates, oval, for top and bottom plates of oval die
Metal stamp ‘The address only to be written on this side’ in English and three scripts
Wooden demonstration die with remains of print attached
Square metal jig with cut out patterns of top plate of die, 1889-96
Square metal jig to carry four small oval top plates
