Rare hinged brass folding measure by world renowned mathematical instrument maker, W.F. Stanley. Extremely hard to find object, and an essential for mathematics, surveyance and architectural collectors.
William Ford Robinson Stanley was self taught in mathematics, mechanics, astronomy, architecture and much more, taking lessons in technical drawing, before joining his father’s building trade business. Soon after, they both joined an engineering company, where Stanley began designing products to patent. Unhappy with the “high cost, poor quality” of instruments on the market, W.F.Stanley &Co. Ltd. was formed by William Stanley at Great Turnstile, Holburn, London in 1853.
They issued their first catalogue in 1864, and by the fifth edition, they were main suppliers to the British Army, Royal Navy and railways worldwide. In 1865, they released surveying instruments, and in 1875 focused on civil, military and mining products.
This brass measure ruler is of high quality and in excellent condition. It is composed of 8 sections, joined with hinges, and has embossed marked equal measurements from 0-100. It has all original screws and fittings, and a loop at one end for carrying. The measure open and closes well, and once closed can easily fit in a pocket for ease of transportation. It has an embossed mark “Stanley London 1890.”
A very rare item on the market, especially in such good condition, it represents timeless, quality instrument making, with an historic pedigree. It would be a fantastic addition to Victorian building and engineering tools, collectors of mathematical and architectural instruments, and antique Stanley products.