More advanced sets might have dividers as well as compasses, chemistry stencils, an ink dip pen, Biros, propelling pencils and a wider range of pencils. to jump on the bandwagon of popular events with its naming policy. There was an Olympic Set (presumably celebrating the 1948 Olympic Games hosted in London, UK). Most children today are familiar with a geometry set in a tin. The sets contain a ruler, a protractor, set squares, a pair compasses, pencils, a pencil sharpener and an eraser. Helix is the most well-known name in mathematical instruments and geometry sets for children. Their famous 'Oxford Set of Mathematical Instruments' is still Boots, W H Smith and Woolworths all sold geometry sets, some their own brand. You could buy the basic set in a tin as well as more deluxe sets with zipper cases or clamshell style

Helix Locking Compass (Assorted Colours), Red / Black

Helix was registered as a trademark for drawing compasses in 1920. It was extended to include rulers, dividers, protractors, set squares and anything else Frank Shaw founded the Universal Woodworking Company in 1887. The company made wooden rulers. In 1895 Frank Shaw patented a compass very similar to that used in plastic cases. Some sets had advanced engineering-style drawing instuments for the serious student.Helix produced a range of different sets in the 1950s. With geometry a major part of maths in the 1950s it was an essential piece of equipment. The company was keen The box shows a picture of the Chapel and Old Library at Balliol College, Oxford. In 1951 you could have one for 7 shillings and 6 pence (37½p).

Drawing Compasses and Dividers | BLICK Art Materials

Whether it’s the pen you need for adding highlights or a sharpener that you can’t be without, I love our loyalty to the tools that help us create! By 1964 the Oxford set's box also included a pencil sharpener, a chemistry stencil and a school timetable. It was also cheaper. You only needed to part with I think this is the perfect eraser. It cleanly lifts off graphite, is non smudgy and is firm enough that you can use a scalpel to carve it into a point to erase tiny details. I’m not a fan of coloured or putty erasers. I find they make a big old mess. Sometimes simple is best. Inspiration for the Oxford Set of Mathematical Instruments: The Chapel and Old Library at Balliol College, Oxford