E. Smith and Co Scale

[stanley62]

I found this over the weekend.  It is a two piece scale marker E. Smith and Co. PAT'd Oct 24 1876.  I looke up the patent and it is for the
brass clamp that allows the scales to be set at like a bevel and clamped. 
Anyone know the use for this guy?  Each scale is 18" long.  One row is marked "SHRINK" and the one side has four sets of markings (see last picture.

Jim

[stanley62]

A couple more pictures.

[mikeswrenches]

The "shrink" would imply that it was a shrink rule used by pattern makers for making foundry patterns.

Having several scales seems a little unusual, since most foundries stuck to one particular metal so the rule would normally just have a single scale with perhaps a notation of what the shrinkage amount would have been.

Having more than one scale per rule would seem like it would be a bit confusing for the pattern maker.

Mike

[1930]

The "shrink" would imply that it was a shrink rule used by pattern makers for making foundry patterns.

Having several scales seems a little unusual, since most foundries stuck to one particular metal so the rule would normally just have a single scale with perhaps a notation of what the shrinkage amount would have been.

Having more than one scale per rule would seem like it would be a bit confusing for the pattern maker.

Mike

Very informative, thanks for sharing

[turnnut]

patent 183608

if you read the complete writeup on the patent, in the 2nd column it says the top piece mat be moved so as to extend the rule for taking intermediate lengths, such as for doors, windows, stairs, etc.

the parts can be set to form any bevel desired. an d may be used also as a yard-measure, lumber gauge, lumberman's measure and other uses.

did yours come with two wood rules ?  it looks like two, one on top of the other, and you would loosen
the screw and slide one out to take extra measures. like the mentioned of using it in a door way.

I hope this may help, Frank 

[jimwrench]

 The shrink marking does suggest foundry use but the patent does not even mention shrink . From patent would seem to be a carpenters tool. Maybe Bob Shrink owned it at one time(only joking).

[stanley62]

It is (2) stacked wooden rules that can slide into a longer rule, or turn to set a bevel. 

  Jim

[stanley62]

Does anyone know a good way to clean a wood scale?  I just want to take off the dirt and grime, not remove patina or polish the brass.

Jim

[khsquarehead]

hey Jim,

I usually clean wood by lightly rubbing with a cloth and paste wax. If it is really  dirty I use red rubbing compound from auto parts store. Just be careful not to be overly aggressive.
Kris

[Chillylulu]

We clean wood with Murphy's Oil Soap.  It says to dilute, but for old wood tools we use it full strength.

Chilly

[stanley62]

Thanks for the cleaning  tips.  I'll let you know how it goes.

  Jim