Keuffel & Esser 1621P Architects' Triangular Scale

This 12-inch triangular boxwood rule has indentations along each side, and the sides are faced with white celluloid. On one side, one edge has a scale divided to 1/16" and numbered by ones from 0 to 12. The other edge has scales for 3/32" and 3/16" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 3/32", numbered from left to right by fours from 0 to 124, and numbered from right to left by twos from 0 to 62. This side is marked: 1621P KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y. PARAGON.

One edge of the second side has scales for 1" and 1/2" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/2", numbered from left to right by ones from 0 to 10 and from right to left by twos from 0 to 20. The other edge has scales fro 1/8" and 1/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/8", numbered from left to right by fours from 0 to 92 and from right to left by twos from 0 to 46.

One edge of the third side has scales for 3/4" and 3/8" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 3/8", numbered from left to right by ones from 0 to 14 and from right to left by twos from 0 to 28. The other edge has scales for 1-1/2" and 3" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1-1/2", numbered from left to right by twos from 0 to 4 and from right to left by ones from 0 to 2. This side is marked: RHW.

A triangular green cardboard box has masking tape at both ends. A red and green paper label is marked: K + E PARAGON (/) ARCHITECTS' TRIANGULAR SCALE (/) 1621P 12 IN. (/) MADE IN U.S.A. TM'S REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.

Keuffel & Esser began to offer model 1621P between 1901 and 1909, when it cost $2.50. The firm introduced the logo shown on the box in 1943. In 1944, this instrument sold for $7.50. The company changed its model numbers in 1962. According to the donor, the instrument was used by her husband, the electrical engineer Robert H. Wieler (1923–1993).

References: Catalogue and Price List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 33rd ed. (New York, 1909), 190; Catalogue and Price List of Keuffel & Esser Co., 40th ed. (New York, 1944), 138.

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