Unusual Antique Ruler....What Is It Used For?

[Joeyd]

Have never seen a tapered (3/4" down to 3/8") 4 sided rule like this before and have no idea how and what it was used for. Only markings is "Paris" which is on all sides near the brass tip. Anyone have a clue? Thanks.

 

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[nsdq]

welcome to t-net no clue on specified use, but i think it was made to measure stuff, happy huntinn

 

[Stegner]

Ok....
Based on the metal tip and the direction of the number sequence, it would appear that whatever is being measured is from the ground up...
What is the unit of measure? I see 12 units of measure broken down between each major unit of measure - English measure would be 8 or 16, and decimal would be 10 units. How big is each unit of measure?
My guess would be something like measuring the floor clearance when hanging curtains.

 

[nsdq]

thanks diggit did'nt know else what to say

 

[Joeyd]

nsdq & Stegner....thanks for the reply. Stegner, you are correct that there are 12 units between each major unit. Each major unit measures exactly 1 1/16". Each of the 12 units measure just a tad over 1/16" of an inch? If it is to measure floor clearance when hanging curtains, I'm still confused on how the taper would be used. Thanks, again.

 

[nsdq]

taper may to allow for base molding ?

 

[aka da Prof]

I seem to remember my mom using one of these for hemming scouts/school uniform pants while I was wearing them--

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Check into lumber.
Board Rule

 

[mcb66]

looks like an old gauge for reading amount of liquid in a tank. A dipstick.

 

[Subterranean]

looks like an old gauge for reading amount of liquid in a tank. A dipstick.

Yep, this is a good call mcb66, we still use sticks like this to measure gasoline in fire apparatus.

 

[MinerGirl]

Hi, I've seen Tailors use these for measuring suit pant Hems...I also described it to my brother who is a carpenter and he thought possibly an old Survey ruler? But he didn't see your photo. The Paris mark is just telling who made the Brass Tip. The Paris company makes/made all types of brass objects. Measuring liquid in a tank sounds good too..

 

[ivan salis]

tapered end to fit into a holder that holds it upright ? so one person can use it without a aid hiolding it . --surveyor work seems to fit the bill nicely

 

[Montauk]

Perhaps then a tailor's ell stick in that its tapered. In your example a short one as it appears to be 12" long.
2007/127/4 Tailor's ell stick, wood, made by J Rabone & Sons, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, used by Ron and Maxwell Gillman, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia, 1918-2003 - Powerhouse Museum Collection

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Hi, I've seen Tailors use these for measuring suit pant Hems...I also described it to my brother who is a carpenter and he thought possibly an old Survey ruler? But he didn't see your photo. The Paris mark is just telling who made the Brass Tip. The Paris company makes/made all types of brass objects. Measuring liquid in a tank sounds good too..

I think it says PARIS on the wood.

 

[relicranger]

Hi I have been a surveyor for 35 years and have never seen a " rod " like that. I go with dipstick.

 

[zendog64]

My grandmother used to have one that looked almost identical to that one, she used to work in a factory which made women's garments, and when the factory closed she took it as a "souvenir". I used to play with it all the time when I was a kid, and I vaguely recall seeing the word PARIS on it. She worked at the factory in the late 30s and 40s, so if I had to put a date on it, that's when I'd say it's from.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I used to have a collection of old boxwood and ivory rules but I cant remember any that said PARIS. That mark usually means the company or place of manufacture.

Try doing a search of antique rules made in Paris. This was the only one I could find but it may be a lead to the company that made it. VINTAGE H. MORIN SLIDE RULE (MADE IN PARIS) WITH CASE

The numbers are old fonts but the word PARIS is not so I would place it in the 1900-1950 date range.

I dont know if textiles or tailors used 1/12ths but it would be a good place to search. Architectural scales may use it.. I agree it looks like a scale that would measure up vertical from the ground with the brass end down.

ADDED: Some more French companies to search. http://www.photocalcul.com/Calcul/Regles/Autres/AUTRES.html

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I dont have time to search but here is a scale in 1/12ths. Richmond Milk Scale If I had more time to research I would follow the trail of the manufacturer for a match. Look for the PARIS mark. Tailor or factory sounds good but it could be something unusual.View attachment 633908

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

My bad the scale above is in 1/10s.

 

[frankendime]

Just a thought. Perhaps some type of inside diameter measuring device? Slid into a square opening to get a quick read on size. Much like a ring sizer.
This might account for the odd increments. Amount of taper per inch = XXX or some kinda formula. A specialty tool for sure.