This is a vintage compass rapidograph pen adapter made by Shinwa in Japan. It was purchased in the 1970s for drawing accurate circles using a rapidograph technical ink pen. The polished stainless steel bar has two slightly different diameter ends, one of which is designed to attach to a standard drafting compass. The pen is inserted into a hexagonal / shield shaped opening and is gripped by adjusting a small metal wheel. Another wheel allows adjustment of the pen angle. It is a very simple, but highly effective way to accomplish the task of drawing perfect ink circles for technical drawings or other artwork. It is beautifully crafted of what appears to be a finely textured, hard composite plastic or carbon material (ie, it is not cheap plastic).
The adapter was very rarely used and is in mint condition.
COMPASS AND RAPIDOGRAPH PEN ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES AND ARE NOT INCLUDED. Listing is for Shinwa adapter only. The compass and pen are listed separately for purchase.
Buyer pays USPS shipping and Maryland sales tax. Thanks for looking!