Keuffel & Esser 68-1210 Log Log Duplex Slide Rule

This ten-inch duplex slide rule is made from mahogany coated with white celluloid and is held together with metal end pieces. The indicator is glass with plastic edges held together with metal screws. One side of the base has LLO1, L, K, A, D, DI, and LL1 scales, with B, T, SRT, and S scales on the slide. The left end of both parts of the base is marked: 092, and the left end of the slide is marked: 991092. The other side of the base has LLO2, LLO3, DF, D, LL3, and LL2 scales, with CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide. The right side of the slide is marked: © (/) K+E. This form of the K&E logo dates to 1949.

The top edge of the rule is marked: PATS. PEND.; MADE IN U.S.A; 68 1210 LOG LOG DUPLEX DECITRIG ®; COPYRIGHT 1947 BY KEUFFEL & ESSER CO.; PATS. 2,500,460 2,168,056 2,170,144 2,285,722 2,422,649. The rule has a green leather case marked on the flap: K+E. Inside the flap is written in ink: Howard (/) Ebenstein; Pratt (/) Institute (/) 1965. Howard Ebenstein acquired this slide rule as a student in mechnical engineering at Pratt Institute in New York City. He went on to a career in public service with the the Department of the Navy, Peace Corps, and the District of Columbia Energy Office.

Keuffel & Esser of New York converted its model numbers to the 68 series in 1962. It advertised the model 68–1210 in its 1962, 1966, 1967, and 1972 catalogs. In 1962, the rule came with a case with a belt loop and a hardcover manual. By 1967, there was an option to purchase the rule with a case without a belt loop and a softcover manual. Thus, this example was probably produced closer to 1965 than to 1962. The serial number is also consistent with this date. For earlier versions of this slide rule, sold as the model 4081, see MA.318482, MA.334387, 1990.0687.01, and 1986.0790.03. For instructions, see 1987.0085.02.

References: Clark McCoy, ed., "K&E Catalogs and Price Lists for Slide Rules," http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEmain.htm; Wayne E. Feely, "K & E Slide Rules," The Chronicle of the Early American Industries Association 49, no. 5 (June 1996): 50–52.

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