The engineer's cutlery

Maximilian von Welsch who lived between 1671 and 1745 was first and foremost a military engineer. The planning of fortifications with ramparts, trenches, flat surfaces and underground vaults required precise measurements and calculations.

Most of his instruments were used for the preparatory work of large construction projects, but the actual 'drawing tools' are also included.

The individual parts come from various manufacturers in France and Germany. The electoral master builder, who was ennobled by the emperor in 1714 assembled his tools himself and did not buy a ready-made set.

In Mainz, von Welsch designed the new Zeughaus, today's state chancellery on the banks of the Rhine. The rotunda of Biebrich Palace is also his work, as is the Orangery in Fulda.