Can anyone make out the name on this rule? Its a pretty neat find and I haven't dug real deep into the maker but did find this info. on the Practical Machinist forum.
If I'm understanding it right this name would have been for the purchacer.

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/antique-machinery-history/1869-calipers-made-w-whittam-233854/

Heelspur,  I would say also that the name above the date is the first owner's name. Have you seen it's brother on eBay ? http://www.ebay.ca/itm/1872-Antique-12-Metal-Ruler-Rule-W-WHITTAM-MAKER-SALFORD-signed-PICKLES-/221400230825

1879...

Quote from: anglesmith on May 11, 2014, 08:29:39 PM
Heelspur,  I would say also that the name above the date is the first owner's name. Have you seen it's brother on eBay ? http://www.ebay.ca/itm/1872-Antique-12-Metal-Ruler-Rule-W-WHITTAM-MAKER-SALFORD-signed-PICKLES-/221400230825

No didn't see this one, where does it say Pickles?