I picked up a twelve-inch, double-bevel rule marked "Stephens & Co.,
Riverton, CT" and "No. 31". It has nice brass bolsters at each end and the
brass bevel arms are 4 and 6 3/4 inches long. This must be the Stephens who
eventually became part of Chaplin-Stephens, but web surfing did not produce
much info on this company. Here is what I have found on Stephens:

Lorenzo Case Stephens (b. 1809, d. 1871) started Stephens & Co., Riverton,
CT in 1828 and was succeeded in it by his son Deloss H. Stephens (b. 1837,
d. 1919).  In 1901 they became part of Chapin-Stephens.  By implication, the
L.C. was dropped from the company name after his death. They also made wood
planes, having bought the Phoenix Co.  (makers of wood planes from
1853-1865) in 1864. Prior to 1853 the Phoenix Co. was known as A. & A.
Alford & Co. (or Alfred Alford Plane Co., 1849-1853), makers of wood planes.
This was a partnership of Alfred and Arba Alford. It was originally in
Hitchcockville, but the town changed its name to Riverton sometime after
1865.

Reading between the lines, the marking on my rule would put it after 1871
(L.C.'s death) and before 1901 (merger w/ Chaplin), but I would like to
narrow it down a bit more, if possible. The manufacturer's info on this
piece is hand stamped - looks like a total of five stamps were used - so
must be on the early side. Anybody have production years for the #31 rule?
What uses were these rules marketed for?

Bill

On Maryland's Eastern Shore.