Drafting Machine Appraisal

Vintage Drafting Table with Parallel Bar System

This item appears to be a vintage drafting table, characterized by its substantial construction and integrated parallel bar system. The main structure consists of a cream-colored, possibly laminate or painted particle board, housing a complex metal support mechanism. The top portion features a black-colored parallel bar, which is a common accessory for precision drawing, mounted on metal tracks. This parallel bar has a ruler-like appearance with markings. The entire table assembly is supported by a robust-looking, articulated metal frame, likely made of aluminum or steel, which allows for adjustment of the table's height and angle. Visible within the hollowed-out section of the table's base are intricate electrical components, including circuit boards and multicolored wiring, suggesting it might be an electrically adjustable or illuminated drafting table. One side of the table shows a black strip with white text and arrows, indicating directional controls, possibly for height 'FLOAT' adjustment or angle. There are visible signs of wear and tear consistent with its age and use, including scuffs and possibly some rust on the metal components, particularly on the screws and fasteners, like the patina on the silver-colored support bars. The overall design points to a professional-grade drafting table from a mid to late 20th-century era, built for durability and precision. The craftsmanship of the metal joints and the intricacy of the internal wiring suggest a quality manufacturing process for its intended professional or educational use. The item is currently in a disassembled or partially assembled state, lying on its side, and appears to be stored in an industrial or storage unit setting.