Object Details
maker
Dexter Brothers
Description
This tan plastic scale rule is marked with faux wood grain and has been broken into two pieces. The top edge has scales for 1/2" and 1" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/2", numbered from left to right by ones from 1 to 20, and numbered from right to left by ones from 1 to 10. The bottom edge has scales for 1/8" and 1/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/8", numbered from left to right by twos from 1 to 92, and numbered from right to left by ones from 1 to 20 and then by twos from 20 to 46.
The center of the rule is marked: Use Dexter Brothers' English Shingle Stains. It is also marked: Copyrighted by (/) DEXTER BROS., (/) BOSTON, MASS. According to the Boston Directory of 1869, 1880, and 1900, Dexter Brothers was founded by Charles W., Frank K., Wallace D., and George B. Dexter. The firm manufactured paints, oils, and drugs on Broad Street in Boston. It remained in business at least as late as 1919. The donor, David Shayt, was a National Museum of American History staff member.
For other open divided or chain scales, see 1981.0933.14, 1981.0933.15, 1992.0433.04, 1998.0032.08, and 1998.0032.09.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of David H. Shayt
date made
1869–1919
ID Number
1983.0237.01
accession number
1983.0237
catalog number
1983.0237.01
Object Name
rule
scale rule
Physical Description
plastic (overall material)
Measurements
overall: .1 cm x 29.8 cm x 3.2 cm; 1/32 in x 11 23/32 in x 1 1/4 in
place made
United States: Massachusetts, Boston
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Science & Mathematics
Scale Rules
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Promotional Item
Drafting, Engineering
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_905199