I picked up an old two fold 24 inch ruler.

It is marked "No 5.   E. A. STEARNS & Co MAKERS BRATTLEBORO VT.
WARRANTED BOX WOOD"

On one side is the standard 1 to 23 inch markings in blindman size
numbers, also on this side is a * M scale out to 34 by 2's (this is
about 7.25 inches long).  Each 2 marking is the same width.  Also on
this side is a * E scale out to 24 by 2's (this is the same length as
the * M scale).

On the other side are more scales and an extension slide.  The extension
slide is Marked B C,  the numbering goes 1 to 9, 1, 12 then 2 to 10, as
you approach 9 the distance between each successive number grows
smaller.  Above the slide is marked A, with the same strange numbering
scale, but with larger distances between numbers.  Below the slide is
marked D which goes 4 to 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 35.

On the other leg same side is a 12 inch ruler and 4 'architect' scales
(IN, 3/4,1/2 and 1/4) aside from the normal rulers this is about the
only stuff I recognize (from doing scale drawings).

Folded it is about 12.5 inches by 1.5 inches.  It has a large brass
hinge, and brass end caps (some damage here).  It has two locating pins
that go into two dovetailed brass receivers (really more of an upside
down T shape than a dovetail).

Just guessing by the font used and it's patina I would guess that it is
old.

Can anybody tell me what the strange scales on it are for, how old,
value?

Got it and 2 four fold 12 inch caliper rules (1 Stanley and one Lufkin)
for $15.

Ed O'

eoriordan@b...