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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[Bigcypresshunter]

Bigcypress....the 1/16" longer than the English Inch is exactly what I measured and I do think this is absolutely the correct area to be looking . For a brief moment, when I read one of your posted articles, I kinda was starting to check out a different area as one of your posted links mentioned a relation to cannons and there was actually a cannon related implement found along with the rule but I really don't think there is any relation.

I thought the cannon link was very interesting and I dont think we have proven what it is yet but Im guessing your rule is early or very early 20th century because of the modern fonts used in the word PARIS. The numbers are old fonts.

No serifs in PARIS. View attachment 634741

 

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[Dynamite Dick Clearcreek]

I believe this is a French fabric ruler, circa 1890-1920?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I believe this is a French fabric ruler, circa 1890-1920? View attachment 634935

That may be the closest match yet. Can you post the supportingf link and explain why its tapered?.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I believe this is a French fabric ruler, circa 1890-1920? View attachment 634935

That may be the closest match yet. Can you post the supporting link and explain why its tapered?.

oops my bad. Thats not the same at all. It appears you have posted a Metric rule.
http://archives.tools.oneofakindant...en_fabric_measure_with_brass_ends_c1800_2.htm
Welcome to the discussion. We are looking for a rule in French Inches.

 

[Dynamite Dick Clearcreek]

I assure you that is an antique french ruler, not the same, but similiar. The item in question may be a table leg for a small sewing kit. Not French inches?, he he, plain old inches.

 

[Dynamite Dick Clearcreek]

The square ruler I posted is not in "metric". An import item? (french metric system imposed in 1837, the tapered ruler is in french decimal inches).

 

[westerntreasurehunter]

Here is some info on glove lengths and measurements.

"The length of a glove is traditionally expressed in "buttons", an antique French unit of measure which is slightly longer than one inch. Button measures are customarily taken from the bottom of the thumb seam to the top of the glove, and the actual length of the glove in inches is 6 to 7 inches longer than the length in buttons. The various traditional lengths are:
2-button: Also known as "shorties", these are wrist-length gloves, generally 8 to 9 inches long.
4-button: These gloves are 10 to 11 inches long and cover the wrist, reaching a couple of inches up onto the forearm. 6-button: 12 to 13 inches long, these gloves reach well up onto the forearm. Many "gauntlet" type gloves (i.e., these gloves with flared armpieces in the style of equestrian gauntlets) are this length. A favorite length for daytime wear. "

Collecting Opera Gloves

 

[hydrodog]

Tailors yard rule ,measures fraction of a yard of cloth
Tailor's yard rule, marked in inches and fractions of yard | eBay

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I assure you that is an antique french ruler, not the same, but similiar. The item in question may be a table leg for a small sewing kit. Not French inches?, he he, plain old inches.

We already know its a French rule, It says PARIS. You think its plain old 100 inches No way!! (Its 100 centimeters) http://archives.tools.oneofakindant...en_fabric_measure_with_brass_ends_c1800_2.htm


I like the table leg idea. But we are looking for French Inches not plain old inches and not Metric..

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Dynamite Dick and hydrodog please go back read the thread in its entirety. Its not that long and you seem to talking this thread backwards and ignoring all the research.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

The square ruler I posted is not in "metric". An import item? (french metric system imposed in 1837, the tapered ruler is in french decimal inches).

Nice try. I found the link from the square rule you posted and it says "This French fabric or leather ruler measures 39 and one half inches" which equals to one meter.

The OPs item is in 1/12ths. The rule you posted is in 1/10s, it clearly says "metre" and is not a match. We have proven that the OPs item is French Inches.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Its looking like a glove rule but is there any way possible this could be a short table leg? Do you see any marks on the rule on top where it would have been inserted into a table or sewing box?

 

[Joeyd]

Bigcypress....no, the increments go all the way to the top with no indication of being a table leg. Also, the top has a rounded bevel at all four corners. Another thing I did notice, the brass tip if you look closely, has continued incised measurements.

 

[frankendime]

This is a puzzler. You have a one of a kind item it seems. The increments on this are to precise to be merely decorative. The patina appears as though many hands held it. I've almost become obsessed with figuring this out. I like old tools.

 

[Joeyd]

frankendime...LOL! My sentiments also.

 

[frankendime]

The brass tip on the small end only tells me it was for protection and not merely decorative, which points to the fact that it was stood on end. Perhaps stood in a square pocket at the corner of a table to get it out of the way but still easily accessible.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

The brass tip on the small end only tells me it was for protection and not merely decorative, which points to the fact that it was stood on end. Perhaps stood in a square pocket at the corner of a table to get it out of the way but still easily accessible.

Keep in mind that almost every wood rule was made with a brass end, usually both ends. It would be necessary to keep the measurement accurate.