What is keuffel & esser co?

Keuffel & Esser Co. (K&E) was a prominent American manufacturer of drafting and surveying equipment from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century. The company was founded in 1867 by William J. D. Keuffel and Herman Esser in New York City, and quickly became a leading supplier of precision instruments for architects, engineers, and draftsmen.

K&E's products included drafting tables, compasses, protractors, slide rules, surveying instruments, and other precision tools. The company pioneered the use of celluloid in drafting instruments, which was lighter and less brittle than the materials previously used.

During World War II, K&E produced a wide range of military equipment, including bombing sights and gun sights. The company continued to be a leading supplier of drafting and surveying equipment well into the 20th century, but struggled in the face of increasing competition and the rise of computer-aided design in the 1980s.

K&E filed for bankruptcy in 1987 and was later acquired by the Azon Corporation, which continued to produce some of K&E's products under the Keuffel & Esser brand name. Today, Keuffel & Esser is primarily remembered for its high-quality drafting and surveying instruments, which remain popular among collectors and enthusiasts.