In 1894 Taylor, Taylor & Hobson, a British lens maker, patented improvements to the pantograph. Invented in the early 17th century, the pantograph used a four-bar linkage to trace a drawing at a larger or smaller scale. Taylor's design provided robust support for an electric cutting tool independently of the lighter-weight pantograph itself, making the tool steadier (Taylor 1895, p. 2;  MacMillan 2018, p. 35). His company initially used the device to engrave markings on lens barrels (Wichary 2025). Taylor, Taylor & Hobson went on to manufacture and sell the device itself under the brand "Taylor-Hobson." Companies like The George Gorton Machine Company and Friedrich Deckel GmbH licensed the technology, which was widely used until the adoption of CNC machines in 1970s. Pantograph engraving has been used in many applications: nameplates, jewelry, logos and industrial marking, to name a few. It is still in use by small shops for customization of trophies, etc. (Alpha Trophies 2026)