Posted 11 years ago
varmint4868
(1 item)
I think it is a Stanley but it is not marked Stanley. A magnet is not attracted to the hinges or caliper but is to the pins holding the hinges in place. Anyone know more about it?
No. 39 Four Fold Caliper Ruler | ||
| Tools and Hardware7754 of 9815 |  |  |
From my experience I suspect it is brass bound. I doubt it is a story pole ruler although it may well be. There was one posted last week I am sure was a story pole. Mostly used by masons (and still are) to get exact spacings and also used by cabinet makers. Modern tape measures are flexible and if you drop them the end tang will bend. A stiff rule doesn't do that. I can tell you this was not used by a mason because it is to short and the markings aren't there for brick spacing. I still have my brass bound mahogany tools to this day. They last forever if taken care of. This one isn't antique but more vintage from the looks and most likely a $20 item retail.
Is there a way to tell if it is ivory or bone?
It appears that Stanley did make a NO. 39 caliper rule. Ivory. 12-inch, four fold, German silver
Link
http://www.greatplanestrading.com/EAIA12/EAIA12.htm
scroll down to item #095 & click on photo link
From Phil Stanley Boxwwod and Ivory:
39 Carpenters' Caliper Rule, 1 Foot, 4 Fold
Offered: 1855 thru 1922
Construction: Square Joint, Edge Plates, Left Hand Caliper
Leather Case (1912 thru 1917)
Material: Ivory, German Silver Hinges, Caliper, & Tips
Width: 7/8 Inch
Graduations: Body: 8ths, lOths, and 16ths of Inches (1872 and before)
8ths, lOths, 12ths, and 16ths of Inches (1874 and after)
Caliper: 16ths of Inches