Index by Makers & Retailers

An image of various slide rules from the collection of the Division of Medicine and Science at the National Museum of American History.

Hundreds of companies around the world were involved in the production of slide rules from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Click on one of the names below to see the objects in this collection that were associated with that firm.

Acu-RuleFelsenthalMakeba
Adams, Bertram E.Fowler & Co.Multi Slide Instrument Corp.
Albree, G. NormanFullerM. W. Kellogg Company
AlcoGeorgia Iron WorksNegus, T. S. & J. D.
Alteneder & Sons, Theo.GilsonNeil A. Maclean Company
Aston, ThomasGraphic Calculator Co.Nestler
Bastian BrothersGrindsted ProductsNovotni
Bradburn & SonGuedonOle Jorgensens Creative Workshop
Carbic LimitedGurley, W. & L. E.Ontario, Province of
Central Scientific CompanyHawthorn, RobertPerrygraf
CharpentierHemmiPickett
Charvoz-RoosIBMPost
Commonwealth Plastics Corp.ImpactPsychological Corporation
Computer Manufacturing Co.Jeppesen & Co.Remington Rand
ConciseJohn Howard Herrick Co.Richardson, George
ControllerJones, Solomon A.Ricoh
Cooke, LabanKegelman BrothersScofield, E. M.
C-ThruKeuffel & EsserScott, Walter T.
Daemen-Schmid, HeinrichKingsonStanley Rule & Level Co.
Darling, Brown & SharpeKnox, Inc.Stanley, W. F.
DatalizerK2 Publishing Corp.Sterling Plastics
Dennert & PapeLawrence Engineering ServiceTavernier-Gravet
Dietzgen, EugeneLewis & BriggsThomas, Frank J.
DIWALovelace FoundationUnique
ECOBRA  L. Lumley & Co.Whitehead & Hoag
EDMUND Scientific Co.Macbeth DaylightingWichmann Brothers
Faber, A.W. Patent Models

Hemmi Simplex Slide Rule Retailed by Post (1447)

This ten-inch one-sided bamboo rule is coated with white celluloid only on the front. There is no indicator. The base has A, D, and K scales. The slide has B, CI, and C scales on one side and S, L, and T scales on the other side. The CI scale is numbered in red.
Description
This ten-inch one-sided bamboo rule is coated with white celluloid only on the front. There is no indicator. The base has A, D, and K scales. The slide has B, CI, and C scales on one side and S, L, and T scales on the other side. The CI scale is numbered in red. The base is held together with a sheet of metal and with clear celluloid that has red hairlines at each end. The back of this metal and celluloid backing contains a chart on white plastic. The chart provides various relationships or conversions between the C and D scales as well as fundamental trigonometric relationships.
The instrument is marked in red at the top center of the base: FREDERICK POST CO. 1447. It is marked in black at the top right: HEMMI JAPAN. The Post logo (in red) appears at the right side of the slide. The back is stamped with the date code TD, indicating the rule was manufactured in April 1969. The style of the Post logo is consistent with this date.
The Frederick Post Company of Chicago imported slide rules made by the Japanese firm of Hemmi from about 1932 to the 1970s, with a brief interruption during World War II. Post sold Model 1447 from about 1949 to about 1971.
Chemist Albert S. Matlack donated this slide rule. He recalled that it was mainly used by his laboratory technician at the Hercules Research Center in Wilmington, Del.
References: International Slide Rule Museum, "Slide Rule Dates and Time-Lines," http://sliderulemuseum.com/SR_Dates.htm; Drafting Materials for Engineering, Architecture, and Art by Post, 19th ed. (Chicago: The Frederick Post Co., 1949–1950), 68–69; Carmen Drahl, "The Guy With the Questions at NOS: Albert S. Matlack," 7 June 2011, http://cenblog.org/newscripts/2011/06/the-guy-with-the-questions-at-nos-albert-s-matlack/..
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1969-04
maker
SUN HEMMI JAPAN CF
retailer
Frederick Post Co.
ID Number
1989.0032.02
accession number
1989.0032
catalog number
1989.0032.02

Keuffel & Esser 4097C Ever-There Simplex Slide Rule

This five-inch solid Xylonite (celluloid) slide rule is one of several "Ever-There" pocket slide rules made by Keuffel & Esser. This line was noted for its light weight and small size.
Description
This five-inch solid Xylonite (celluloid) slide rule is one of several "Ever-There" pocket slide rules made by Keuffel & Esser. This line was noted for its light weight and small size. There are A, D, and K scales on the base, with B, CI, and C scales on one side of the slide and S, L, and T scales on the other side of the slide. The glass indicator has a metal frame, plastic edges, and metal screws. The top of the base is marked: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y.; PAT. 1,875,927; MADE IN U.S.A. The right end of the slide is marked: < 4097C >.
The back of the slide rule has a scale of 5 inches divided to sixteenths of an inch and a scale of 13 centimeters divided to millimeters. The left ends of the back of the rule and of the back of the slide are marked with a serial number: 38642. The rule fits in a leather sheath marked: K&ECO.
After Adolf Keuffel applied for a patent on what became the Ever-There product line on October 29, 1930, K&E introduced this version of slide rule as model 4098 in 1931. It was renamed model 4097C in 1936 and was discontinued around 1951. With a case, it cost $4.15 in 1936 and $5.75 in 1949. By 1959, it was replaced by model 4153-1. Compare to 1981.0933.05 and 1981.0922.08. An instruction booklet, received separately, is 1981.0933.09.
This example was given to the museum by Myron R. Smith (1911–2007), an electronics engineer who used it in a long career at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, Ia., then at Honeywell in Minneapolis, and then at Honeywell in Seattle. Smith used the rule to solve problems relating to the testing of broadcast equipment, the design of electronic temperature controls, the design of power transformers, and corporate management.
References: Adolf W. Keuffel, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 1,875,927 issued September 6, 1932); Bob Otnes, "Adolf Keuffel and the Later K&E Slide Rules," Journal of the Oughtred Society 8, no. 1 (1999): 37–38; K&E Slide Rules and Calculating Instruments (New York, 1931), 17; Catalogue of Keuffel & Esser Co., 38th ed. (New York, 1936), 324; K&E Price List Applying to the 41st Edition Catalog (New York, 1949), 32; K&E Price List Applying to the 41st Edition Catalog (New York, 1951), 35; K&E Price List Applying to the 42nd Edition Catalog (New York, 1959), 73; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1936-1949
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1989.0325.06
accession number
1989.0325
catalog number
1989.0325.06

Pickett 140-ES Microline Student Duplex Slide Rule

This ten-inch yellow plastic duplex linear slide rule has a clear plastic indicator. The posts holding the rule together are also yellow plastic. The front of the base has LL2, LL3, and DF scales at the top and D, LL2, and LL3 scales at the bottom.
Description
This ten-inch yellow plastic duplex linear slide rule has a clear plastic indicator. The posts holding the rule together are also yellow plastic. The front of the base has LL2, LL3, and DF scales at the top and D, LL2, and LL3 scales at the bottom. The front of the slide has CF, CIF, L, CI, and C scales. The left end of the slide is marked: PickETT (/) MICROLINE (/) 140. The right end is stamped with the Pickett logo used between 1964 and 1975.
The back of the base has LL1, K, and A scales at the top and D, DI, and LL1 scales at the bottom. The back of the slide has B, S, ST, T, and C scales. The right end of the slide is also stamped with the 1964–1975 Pickett logo, featuring block letters with a triangle over the "I".
The rule slides into a black imitation leather stitched sheath. Earlier Pickett rules that were also intended for use by middle and high school students include 1991.0445.02 and 1984.1068.03.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1964-1975
maker
Pickett Industries
ID Number
1989.0325.07
accession number
1989.0325
catalog number
1989.0325.07

Wright's Arithmeter Cylindrical Slide Rule

In the mid-19th century, the expansion and regulation of American insurance companies created a need for numerous computations and a demand for instruments to assist in this process.
Description
In the mid-19th century, the expansion and regulation of American insurance companies created a need for numerous computations and a demand for instruments to assist in this process. Elizur Wright (1804–1885), one of the first insurance commissioners of Massachusetts, invented this large cylindrical slide rule, patented it in 1869, and sold it to insurance companies for $500.00. It is the equivalent of a linear slide rule more than 60 feet long.
The instrument consists of two adjacent cylindrical brass drums, each covered with paper and mounted horizontally in a round brass frame, which is screwed to a round wooden base. Two indentations in the side of the base assist with lifting the instrument. A crossbar attached to the frame extends across the length of the drums. Two indicators slide across a groove in the bar. A brass handle with an ivory knob on the right side of the frame rotates the drums. An ivory button on the left side of the frame operates a brake. When the button is locked in a vertical position, the two drums turn together. When the button is horizontal, only the right drum turns.
The two cylinders are marked identically. Each drum has a spiral of 20 turns, divided logarithmically (perhaps by pencil), with printed numbers to the right of each division. The first digit of a number is read from the crossbar, and the remaining three are printed on the drum. The markings include every digit from 0 to 3,000; every even digit from 3,000 to 6,000; and every other even digit from 6,000 to 10,000. The arithmeter arrived in a badly scratched wooden case that has two metal handles and a keyhole (but no key).
A metal plaque screwed to the base is marked: No 6 (/) ELIZUR WRIGHT'S (/) ARITHMETER (/) PATENTED AUG. 17TH 1869. (/) N.E.M.L.INS. CO. The New England Mutual Life Insurance Company (now New England Financial), a company with a long connection to Wright and his family, donated this example, one of ten known surviving arithmeters. Wright's son, Walter C. Wright, was the firm's chief actuary from 1866 to 1900. Wright was also a well-known abolitionist. Although this example cannot be definitively credited to him, Joseph W. Fowle, a Boston machinist who invented a rotating rock drill, is known to have built some arithmeters for Wright.
References: Elizur Wright, "Calculator" (U.S. Patent 93,849 issued August 17, 1869); Peggy A. Kidwell, "Elizur Wright's Arithmeter. An Early American Spiral Slide Rule," Rittenhouse 4 (1989): 1–4; Lawrence B. Goodheart, Abolitionist, Actuary, Atheist: Elizur Wright and the Reform Impulse (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1990), 149, 168; Naom Maggor, "Politics of Property: Urban Democracy in the Age of Capital, Boston 1865-1900" (Ph.D. diss., Harvard University, 2010).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1869
maker
Wright, Elizur
ID Number
1989.0366.01
catalog number
1989.0366.01
accession number
1989.0366

Hemmi 153 Duplex Slide Rule

This bamboo rule is coated on both sides and its long outer edges with white celluloid. The rule is held together with metal posts. The glass indicator has a metal frame with bamboo and celluloid sides.
Description
This bamboo rule is coated on both sides and its long outer edges with white celluloid. The rule is held together with metal posts. The glass indicator has a metal frame with bamboo and celluloid sides. The rule is marked in the lower right corner of the base front: "SUN" (between two drawings of the sun) (/) HEMMI (/) MADE IN JAPAN. The scales are 25 cm (9-7/8") long.
Hemmi designed this model for electrical engineers. The front of the base has L, K, A, D, T, and Gθ scales. The front of the slide has B, CI, and C scales. The back of the base has θ, Rθ, P, LL3, LL2, and LL1 scales, with Q, Q', and C scales on the back of the slide. The P, Q, and θ scales were used for trigonometric relationships in right triangles and for hyperbolic functions. They were developed in 1929 for Hemmi rules and credited to Sadatoshi Betsumiya and Jisuke Miyazaki. These scales were not used in the West, and even Hemmi did not use these scales on all of its models.
The rule is stored in a black rectangular cardboard box which is opened by removing the right end. This end is marked in silver: "SUN" (between two drawings of the sun (/) "HEMMI" BAMBOO (/) SLIDE RULE. There are two stars where the box joins together.
Hemmi, a Japanese firm, manufactured this model of slide rule between 1933 and 1967. From 1942 through 1946, Hemmi exports to the English-speaking world were severely limited. From 1946 to 1950, Hemmi rules were marked, MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN. After 1950, Hemmi rules were stamped with codes indicating the year and month of manufacture. Hence, it seems likely that this rule was made between 1933 and 1942.
Dr. Robert P. Multauf, who owned this rule, was an early director of the Museum of History of Science and Technology (later the National Museum of American History). Previously, he served in the U.S. Navy in postwar Japan.
References: Brian Borchers and Noël H. Cotter, "The Sun Hemmi System of Trigonometric and Hyperbolic Scales," Journal of the Oughtred Society 9, no. 2 (2000): 28–31; Hisashi Okura, "Hyperbolic Scale Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,079,464 issued May 4, 1937).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1933-1942
maker
SUN HEMMI JAPAN CF
ID Number
1989.0443.01
catalog number
1989.0443.01
accession number
1989.0443

Otis King's Pocket Calculator Model L Cylindrical Slide Rule

This six-inch cylindrical slide rule consists of a chromium-plated holder, a metal cylinder that slides into the holder, and a black metal tube that fits around and slides up and down on the cylinder. The rule is ten inches long when extended.
Description
This six-inch cylindrical slide rule consists of a chromium-plated holder, a metal cylinder that slides into the holder, and a black metal tube that fits around and slides up and down on the cylinder. The rule is ten inches long when extended. Two short white lines on the tube and a black mark on the chrome cap at the end of the cylinder serve as the indicator. A paper spiral logarithmic scale is attached to the top half of the holder. A second, linear and logarithmic, paper scale is attached to the cylinder. The logarithmic scales are used to multiply and divide, and the linear scale is used to find logarithms.
At the top of the cylinder is printed: PATENT No 183723. At the bottom of the cylinder is printed: OTIS KING'S POCKET CALCULATOR; SCALE No 430. The top of the scale on the holder is printed: SCALE No 429; COPYRIGHT. The bottom is printed: OTIS KING'S PATENT No 183723. The end of the holder is machine engraved: MADE IN (/) Y5466 (/) ENGLAND.
The instrument arrived in a mailing tube with return address: CALCULATOR COMPANY (/) POST OFFICE BOX 593 (/) LAKEWOOD, CALIFORNIA 90714.
Otis Carter Formby King invented this form of slide rule in 1921, and Carbic Limited of London, England, manufactured it until 1972. The Calculator Company served as Carbic's distributor in the United States. The 5-digit ZIP code on the mailing tube indicates this example was made after 1963. The serial number, Y5466, suggests a date around 1965–1969.
See also 1987.0788.01 and 1981.0922.09. The slide rule was received with a trifold instruction sheet, 1989.3049.03, and an advertising pamphlet, 1989.3049.04.
References: Dieter von Jezierski, Slide Rules: A Journey Through Three Centuries, trans. Rodger Shepherd (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 2000), 44; Richard F. Lyon, "Dating of the Otis King: An Alternative Theory Developed Through Use of the Internet," Journal of the Oughtred Society 7, no. 1 (1998): 33–38; Dick Lyon, "Otis King's Patent Calculator," http://www.svpal.org/~dickel/OK/OtisKing.html.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1965-1968
maker
Carbic Limited
ID Number
1989.3049.02
nonaccession number
1989.3049
catalog number
1989.3049.02

Instructions for Otis King's Pocket Calculator

This trifold pamphlet reprints the text found in 1987.0788.06, except for the section on [Pounds] Sterling Calculations, which is omitted. The columns of text are also laid out slightly differently, so that the page length is shortened from eight pages to six.
Description
This trifold pamphlet reprints the text found in 1987.0788.06, except for the section on [Pounds] Sterling Calculations, which is omitted. The columns of text are also laid out slightly differently, so that the page length is shortened from eight pages to six. These instructions accompanied 1989.3049.02. See also 1989.3049.04.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1965-1968
maker
Carbic Limited
ID Number
1989.3049.03
nonaccession number
1989.3054
catalog number
1989.3054.01

Advertising Pamphlet for Otis King's Pocket Calculator

The cover of this eight-page pamphlet is blue and black. It reads: HOW THE (/) OTIS KING (/) SPIRAL (/) SLIDE RULE (/) SAVES TIME (/) AND MISTAKES (/) IN ALL (/) CALCULATIONS (/) SIMPLE (/) QUICK (/) ACCURATE.
Description
The cover of this eight-page pamphlet is blue and black. It reads: HOW THE (/) OTIS KING (/) SPIRAL (/) SLIDE RULE (/) SAVES TIME (/) AND MISTAKES (/) IN ALL (/) CALCULATIONS (/) SIMPLE (/) QUICK (/) ACCURATE. The text describes the features and advantages of the Otis King cylindrical slide rule. Drawings demonstrate the three steps required to make calculations. The pamphlet also lists 13 sample problems the Otis King Pocket Calculator could solve, 37 companies that were major customers of the rule, and 50 professions that usefully employed the rule. The back page carries five anonymous testimonials and is stamped in blue ink with the address of the instrument's U.S. distributor: CALCULATOR COMPANY (/) BOX 593 (/) LAKEWOOD, CALIFORNIA 90714.
This pamphlet arrived with 1989.3049.02. See also 1989.3049.03.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1965-1968
maker
Carbic Limited
ID Number
1989.3049.04
nonaccession number
1989.3049
catalog number
1989.3049.04

Pickett N515-T Duplex Slide Rule for Electronics

This ten-inch white aluminum linear slide rule has a nylon cursor. (The N in the model number is for "nylon," and the T denotes the rule's "traditional" white color.) The rule is held together with stamped aluminum contoured posts.
Description
This ten-inch white aluminum linear slide rule has a nylon cursor. (The N in the model number is for "nylon," and the T denotes the rule's "traditional" white color.) The rule is held together with stamped aluminum contoured posts. The front of the base has (Lr) H, (fx)2Π, A, D, L, and Ln scales. The front of the slide has (Cr) B, S, T, CI, and C scales. The left end of the slide is marked (facing vertically): ELECTRONIC (/) MODEL N-515-T. A gray Pickett logo in the style used between 1958 and 1962 is at the right end. The number 349 is printed above the logo.
The back of the rule contains various formulae relating to electronics, such as temperature conversion, Ohm's Law for AC and DC circuits, parallel resistance, coupled inductance, and efficiency. Short (approximately 2.5 inches) scales on the slide are used with the reactance and resonance decimal point located at the left end of the rule. A logo at the right end of the slide has an i superimposed on a C, superimposed on a book, superimposed on an atom. The number 340 is to the right of the logo and above a registered trademark symbol.
There is a red-orange leather case lined in gray plastic. A faded Pickett logo in the style used between 1958 and 1962 is below the slot for the flap. The front of the case is also stamped: CLEVELAND INSTITUTE OF ELECTRONICS and has a yellow label marked: URIE. The back of the case has a metal ring, leather strap, and metal clasp for attaching to a belt.
The lower right corner of the back of the rule is marked: CLEVELAND INSTITUTE (/) OF ELECTRONICS (/) CLEVELAND, OHIO 44114 (/) PATENT NO. 3,120,342 (/) MADE IN U.S.A. The Cleveland Institute of Electronics worked with Pickett & Eckel, Inc., to develop this slide rule. In 1958, Darrell L. Geiger, an instructor at the Cleveland Institute, applied for a patent for a slide rule useful in calculations relating to electronics. Patent 3,120,342 was granted in 1964 and incorporated into the Pickett Model N-515 slide rule. Since the logo on the instrument was only used until 1962, it seems likely that this rule was made soon after the patent was issued.
Geiger wrote about a dozen instructional booklets on electronics and elementary mathematics in the 1950s and 1960s. The Cleveland Institute, a distance education institution, utilized programmed learning in the 1950s.
References: Darrell L. Geiger, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 3,120,342 issued February 4, 1964); Darrell L. Geiger, Electronics and Your Slide Rule (Cleveland, Ohio: Cleveland Institute of Electronics, 1962); Rodger Shepherd, "Pickett Metal Slide Rules," Journal of the Oughtred Society 1, no. 1 (1992): 5–8; Brian Borchers, "Five Pickett Electronics Slide Rules," Journal of the Oughtred Society 11, no. 2 (2002): 4–7; Cleveland Institute of Electronics, "New . . . Electronics Slide Rule with Four-Lesson Auto-Programmed Instruction Course," (Cleveland, Ohio, [1969]), http://sliderulemuseum.com/Pickett/Pickett_N515-T_Electronic_CIE_Pamphlet.pdf.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1964
maker
Pickett & Eckel, Incorporated
ID Number
1990.0154.01
accession number
1990.0154
catalog number
1990.0154.01

Keuffel & Esser 4070-3 Polyphase Duplex Trig Slide Rule

This ten-inch mahogany duplex slide rule is coated with white celluloid and held together with metal endpieces that are significantly corroded. On one side, the base has DF, D, and L scales, with CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide.
Description
This ten-inch mahogany duplex slide rule is coated with white celluloid and held together with metal endpieces that are significantly corroded. On one side, the base has DF, D, and L scales, with CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide. The top of the base is marked in faded red: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO.; PATS. 2,500,460 2,168,056 2,170,144 PAT. PEND.; MADE IN U.S.A. The right end of the slide is marked in red: © (/) K + E; < 4070-3 >. On the other side, the base has K, A, D, and DI scales, with B, T, ST, and S scales on the slide. The left end of the slide has a serial number: 952594. The top and bottom of the base are both marked at the left end: 594. The indicator is glass with plastic edges; it is so corroded that it has fallen apart and is no longer on the rule.
There is a green leather case with white inlays on the holder for the flap. The flap is marked: K + E. Inside the flap is written in ink: Jeffery (/) Smith (/) P 68. An orange chamois case holds a magnifier with two lenses and a metal frame. On one side, the frame is marked: K + E. On the other side, the frame is marked: PAT. NO. 2556806. A green cardboard box, missing one end, holds the rule, its case, the magnifier, and its case.
For information on the patents on the rule, see 1993.0482.01 and 2007.0181.01. Paul E. Gaire of Manasquan, N.J., received a patent for the magnifier in 1951, replacing his earlier attempt at a magnifier, which could only be used on one side of a slide rule at a time. This double magnifier was first advertised in Keuffel & Esser's 1954 catalog and first pictured in the 1962 catalog; it sold for $5.50. K&E sold this version of the model 4070-3 slide rule from 1952 to 1962, at a price of $20.50.
References: Paul E. Gaire, "Magnifying Runner for Slide Rules" (U.S. Patent 2,556,806 issued June 12, 1951); K + E Catalog, 42nd ed. (New York: Keuffel & Esser Co., 1954), 276–277; Keuffel & Esser Co., Slide Rules, Catalog 8 (Hoboken, N.J., 1962), 29–30; Clark McCoy, ed., "K&E Catalogs and Price Lists for Slide Rules," http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEmain.htm.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1954-1962
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1990.0317.03
catalog number
1990.0317.03
accession number
1990.0317

Gradeulator Circular Slide Rule Invented by Frank J. Thomas

Frank J. Thomas (1924–1976), a construction engineer from Topeka, Kan., invented the "Gradeulator" in the early 1970s.
Description
Frank J. Thomas (1924–1976), a construction engineer from Topeka, Kan., invented the "Gradeulator" in the early 1970s. This circular slide rule was used to convert survey rod readings to sea level elevations, to determine the quantities of cut and fill required for earthwork, and to establish elevations for site grading and pavements.
The instrument has a square white plastic base with rounded corners. The base is covered with white cardboard that is marked with a circle divided into 100 equal parts, with each part divided into tenths. Four paper discs, each backed with metal, rest on the base. Each disc is divided along the edge into 100 equal parts, 50 for "cut" and 50 for "fill," and has three rings of numbers for 100-, 50-, and 25-foot grids. The second-largest disc is turned upsidedown and has ten square notches along its edge. The smallest disc has paper marked with scales on both sides of the metal, with the "cut" sections outlined in red ink. The instrument is held together with a metal screw and wing nut.
A clear plastic pointer also pivots at the screw. A piece of clear plastic screwed to the right corner of the base holds the rim of the three largest discs. The inside of the smallest disc is marked: GRADEULATOR (/) INSTRUCTIONS COPYRIGHT © 1973 by FRANK J. THOMAS. The base is marked: GRADEULATOR; PATENT PENDING Frank J. Thomas serial no. 5-73; LEGEND (/) BASE = Rod Reading (/) DISC #1 = SEA LEVEL, 0–100 ft. (/) DISC #2 (Notched) = SEA LEVEL, hundreds (/) DISC #3 = SEA LEVEL, thousands (/) DISC #4 = DEPTH cut or fill, and QUANTITY per grid.
According to donor Rita Thomas Dukes, Thomas handmade and sold these instruments from his garage. The name "Gradeulator" was trademarked from November 11, 1975, to April 6, 1982 (serial no. 73013213, registration no. 1024537). In 1973, Thomas applied for a patent, which was issued in 1976.
Reference: Frank J. Thomas, "Rotary Slide Rule for Topographic Calculations" (U.S. Patent 3,937,930 issued February 10, 1976).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1973-1982
maker
Thomas, Frank J.
ID Number
1990.0509.01
accession number
1990.0509
catalog number
1990.0509.01

Keuffel & Esser 4081-3 Log Log Decitrig Duplex Slide Rule

This ten-inch two-sided slide rule is made from wood coated with white celluloid and held together with metal end pieces. There are L, LL1, DF, D, LL3, and LL2 scales on one side of the base, with CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide.
Description
This ten-inch two-sided slide rule is made from wood coated with white celluloid and held together with metal end pieces. There are L, LL1, DF, D, LL3, and LL2 scales on one side of the base, with CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide. The top of the base is marked in red: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y.; PATS. RE.20,984 1,930,852 2,168,056 2,170,144 PAT. PEND.; MADE IN U.S.A. The right end of the slide is marked with the model number: < 4081-3 >. On the other side, there are LL0, LL00, A, D, DI, and K scales on the base and B, T, ST, and S scales on the slide. The left end of the slide and the front left corner of the base are marked with a serial number: 207806. A glass indicator with plastic edges is held together with metal screws. The top edge of the indicator is marked: PATENT 2,086,502. The bottom edge of the indicator is marked: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y.
The instrument fits in a cardboard case covered with black leather. Also in the case is a metal straight edge. The case is marked on the top of the flap: LOG LOG DUPLEX (/) TRADE TRIG MARK. The front of the flap is marked: 4080-3 (/) K + E. Stenciled on the case is: T. M. ROBB. Written on the inside of the flap is: THOMAS ROBB (/) SPAIN, AIR CREW.
This combination of scales was used from 1939 to 1947. The serial number on this example is consistent with a date later in this time frame. In 1947, this model sold with the leather case for $19.75. For later examples of model 4081-3, see MA.318482 and MA.334387. On the patents listed on this instrument, see 1992.0437.01 and 1999.0254.01.
Reference: "K + E Slide Rules and Calculating Instruments Price List," July 1, 1947, http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KECatalogs/1947/1947kecatprice01.htm.; Dieter von Jezierski, Slide Rules: A Journey Through Three Centuries, trans. Rodger Shepherd (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 2000), 71–75.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1939-1947
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1990.0687.01
accession number
1990.0687
catalog number
1990.0687.01

Sterling Metric Converter Slide Rule

This ten-inch, one-sided plastic rule has a yellow base, a white slide, and a transparent indicator. Identical logarithmic scales are on the top and the bottom of the base. Both sides of the slide are marked with pairs of metric and conventional units.
Description
This ten-inch, one-sided plastic rule has a yellow base, a white slide, and a transparent indicator. Identical logarithmic scales are on the top and the bottom of the base. Both sides of the slide are marked with pairs of metric and conventional units. On one side, the user can read off conversions between: inches and centimeters; meters and feet; meters and yards; miles and kilometers; square inches and square centimeters; square meters and square feet (times ten); square meters and square yards; and square miles and square kilometers. The other side of the slide permits readings of cubic inches and cubic centimeters (times ten); cubic meters and cubic feet (times ten); cubic meters and cubic yards; liters and quarts; ounces and grams (times ten); kilograms and pounds; metric tons and short tons; and gallons and liters.
The top left of the base is marked with the letters SP in a circle and the word STERLING. The top middle of the base is marked: METRIC CONVERTER. The bottom left of the base is marked: MADE IN U.S.A. The rule was received with its original packaging, a clear plastic cover on a blue paper backing. The packaging is marked at the top: SP STERLING #651 (/) metric (/) converter. At the bottom, it is marked: BORDEN ® (/) © 1972 STERLING PLASTICS (/) DIVISION OF BORDEN CHEMICAL, BORDEN INC. (/) MOUNTAINSIDE, N.J. 07092 (/) MADE IN U.S.A.
Sterling Plastics, a 20th-century manufacturer of drawing instruments for schools, was purchased by Borden Chemical in 1970. Since Sterling stopped making slide rules in 1972, this example of model number 651 was probably one of the last rules produced by the company. The five braces holding together the base of the instrument are also consistent with this date; early Sterling slide rules had only two braces. For instructions, see 1990.0689.03. For a Sterling slide rule with standard scales, see 1988.0807.01.
Reference: Mike Konshak, "Sterling Plastics," http://sliderulemuseum.com/Sterling.htm.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1972
maker
Sterling Plastics
ID Number
1990.0689.01
accession number
1990.0689
catalog number
1990.0689.01

Instructions for Sterling Metric Converter Slide Rule

This one-page, two-sided flyer was received with 1990.0689.01. At the top of the front, it is marked with the Sterling Plastics logo and the words: STERLING metric converter (/) BASED ON THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS (SI).
Description
This one-page, two-sided flyer was received with 1990.0689.01. At the top of the front, it is marked with the Sterling Plastics logo and the words: STERLING metric converter (/) BASED ON THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS (SI). The instructions explain how to read off the sixteen conversions between metric and English units that are found on the Metric Converter slide rule. Tables of metric prefixes and of common equivalents and conversions are also provided. At the bottom of the back, the flyer is marked: STERLING PLASTICS DIVISION OF BORDEN CHEMICAL, BORDEN INC. • SHEFFIELD ST., MOUNTAINSIDE, N.J. 07092 (/) PRINTED IN U.S.A. The Borden logo appears to the right of the mark.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1972
maker
Sterling Plastics
ID Number
1990.0689.03
accession number
1990.0689
catalog number
1990.0689.03

Impact Metric Converter Slide Rule for Regal Beloit

Around 1970 many American companies and government agencies encouraged Americans to adopt the metric system.
Description
Around 1970 many American companies and government agencies encouraged Americans to adopt the metric system. Regal Beloit of Wisconsin and other manufacturers of cutting tools and gear boxes adopted the units of measure and distributed devices like this one to assist in their use.
The one-sided white cardboard rule is printed in orange and black and has eight windows. Two logarithmic scales on the slide are viewed through four of the windows so that the user can convert between yards or feet and meters; centimeters and inches; pounds and kilograms; and tons and metric tons. Two more logarithmic scales on the slide permit conversions between square yards and square meters; square centimeters and square inches; cubic yards and cubic meters; and liters and imperial gallons or U.S. gallons. Below the windows is a scale for converting between Celsius and Fahrenheit temperatures. The rule is marked: REGAL BELOIT. It is also marked metric/inch (/) CONVERTER. It is also marked SWANI PUBLISHING COMPANY (/) P.O. Box 284 • Roscoe, Illinois 61073 (/) 815 / 389-3065.
The back of the rule has small windows for reading conversions between fractional inches, decimal inches, and millimeters from columns of numbers printed on the slide. Tables of equivalents appear above more windows for reading conversions between inches and centimeters and miles and kilometers. After another table of prefixes and equivalents, instructions for using this side of the rule are provided. More small windows permit conversions between U.S. gallons and liters and cubic feet and cubic meters. At the bottom, the rule is marked: DISTRIBUTED BY (/) C-6862. The back of the slide is marked ©1971, IMPACT, Culver City, Callf. (/) Printed in U.S.A.
Impact was presumably a printing company. Swani was a division of Regal Beloit that published a few elementary textbooks on the metric system. Compare this rule to 1990.0689.01.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1971
maker
Impact
ID Number
1990.3231.01
nonaccession number
1990.3231
catalog number
1990.3231.01

Nestler 23R Simplex Slide Rule

This one-sided, ten-inch wooden slide rule has lengths of white celluloid screwed to all sides except the back. The indicator is glass with metal edges. The top edge of the base has a scale of 28 cm, divided to millimeters.
Description
This one-sided, ten-inch wooden slide rule has lengths of white celluloid screwed to all sides except the back. The indicator is glass with metal edges. The top edge of the base has a scale of 28 cm, divided to millimeters. The scales on the base and one side of the slide are not labeled. The top of the base has a scale divided logarithmically from 1 to 1,000 (i.e., from 1 to 10 three times) and a scale divided logarithmically from 1 to 100 (1 to 10 twice), which is repeated on the front of the slide. These are equivalent to K, A, and B scales. The second scale on the slide is divided logarithmically from 10 to 1. The third scale on the slide and the first scale on the bottom of the base are divided logarithmically from 1 to 10. These are equivalent to CI, C, and D scales. The bottom scale on the base is divided from 0.1 to 1.0 in equal parts (i.e., an L scale).
The scales on the back of the slide are lettered S, S&T, and T. Underneath the slide is a centimeter scale, marked from 30 to 56 and divided to millimeters. The instrument is marked there: Tailhade & Cia., Cangallo 445 Bs. - Aires SYSTEM REITZ No 23 R ALBERT NESTLER A.-G. LAHR i/B. D.R.G.M. D.R.PATENT Industria Alemana. The front of the instrument has a scale of equal parts labeled 1:25. Tables of constants and material properties, in Spanish, are on paper pasted to the back of the instrument. A cardboard box covered with black synthetic leather is marked: Albert Nestler A.G. (/) D.R.Patent Rietz No 23 RF (/) Industria Alemana. The box is also marked TAILHADE & Cia. (/) CANGALLO 445 (/) Bs. Aires.
The German firm of Albert Nestler established a factory in Lahr in 1878. (The "i/B" marked on the rule stands for "in Baden.") In 1902 Nestler began to offer slide rules with the arrangement of scales proposed that year by German engineer Max Rietz. These included the K and L scales, with the CI and ST (called S&T on this example) scales added about two decades later. The company held numerous German patents. Nestler first advertised model 23 with Rietz scales in 1907. The donor purchased this rule at a bookstore in Argentina around 1940, which is about the same time that Nestler stopped attaching celluloid to rules with screws.
Reference: Guus Craenen, "Albert Nestler: Innovation and Quality," Journal of the Oughtred Society 11, no. 1 (2002): 38–46; Dieter von Jezierski, Slide Rules: A Journey Through Three Centuries, trans. Rodger Shepherd (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 2000), 34, 64–68, 118; Peter M. Hopp, Slide Rules: Their History, Models, and Makers (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 1999), 96, 98.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1940
maker
Albert Nestler
ID Number
1991.0445.01
accession number
1991.0445
catalog number
1991.0445.01

Pickett 61 Student Simplex Slide Rule

This one-sided five-inch white plastic rule has a plastic indicator attached as a bracket (i.e., there is no back). The base has K, A, D, and L scales, with B, CI, and C scales on the slide.
Description
This one-sided five-inch white plastic rule has a plastic indicator attached as a bracket (i.e., there is no back). The base has K, A, D, and L scales, with B, CI, and C scales on the slide. The left end of the slide is marked: MODEL 61, and the right side has the Pickett triangular logo in white, which was chiefly used between 1950 and 1958. The number 38 is printed above the logo.
The rule slides into a black synthetic leather stitched case, which fits in an orange and black paper box. A Pickett triangular logo with block print and inside a circle appears on the box. This form of logo was used between 1962 and 1964. The logo and the plastic material used in the rule suggest the instrument was made in the 1960s.
The ends of the box are marked: PLASTIC TRAINER SLIDE RULE; NO. 61 (/) $1.95; FINEST QUALITY ENGRAVED (/) 5" SLIDE RULE. The top and bottom of the box describe the instrument as a STUDENT SLIDE RULE. It came with a pamphlet, "How to Use Basic Slide Rules in 3 Easy Steps" (1991.0445.02.01). Students were permitted to trade this rule in toward the purchase of a Pickett all-metal rule.
Argentine-born electrical and mechanical engineer Richard R. Lombardi used this slide rule and donated it to the Smithsonian. A price tag on the box and a receipt for the object indicates he paid $1.56; the receipt is dated 1971, although the trade-in certificate also included with the rule expired in 1966. Company marks on the pamphlet indicate it was printed after 1964.
Reference: Peter M. Hopp, "Scales and Gauge Points," in Slide Rules: Their History, Models, and Makers (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 1999), 285–287.
Location
Currently not on view
date purchased
1971
maker
Pickett Industries
ID Number
1991.0445.02
accession number
1991.0445
catalog number
1991.0445.02

Instructions for Pickett Student Slide Rules

Maurice L. Hartung, associate professor of the teaching of mathematics at the University of Chicago, wrote this sixteen-page pamphlet, How to Use Basic Slide Rules in 3 Easy Steps for Pickett & Eckel, a slide rule manufacturer established in Chicago in the late 1940s.
Description
Maurice L. Hartung, associate professor of the teaching of mathematics at the University of Chicago, wrote this sixteen-page pamphlet, How to Use Basic Slide Rules in 3 Easy Steps for Pickett & Eckel, a slide rule manufacturer established in Chicago in the late 1940s. Hartung advocated for the adoption of Pickett slide rules in schools, and he wrote several instruction manuals that the company reprinted and distributed through the 1960s.
The pamphlet uses drawings of slide rules and numerous "call-out" text boxes to explain how students could use the instrument's C and D scales to multiply and divide. The second part of the pamphlet explains the CI scale ("I" stands for "inverse"), provides instructions for finding squares and square roots with the A and B scales, and discusses the role of the K scale in finding cubes and cube roots. The third and final section of the pamphlet addresses logarithmic and trigonometric functions, which were found with the L, S, and T scales.
This copy was packaged with 1991.0445.02; of the scales explained in the instructions, this instrument lacked only the S and T scales for sines and tangents. If sold separately, the booklet would have cost 35 cents. The back of the pamphlet is marked: Pickett Inc.; Chicago 5 • SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA. It is also marked: Form M-20. The location and name of the company suggest the pamphlet was printed after 1964.
Reference: International Slide Rule Museum, "Pickett All-Metal Slide Rules," http://sliderulemuseum.com/SR_Dates.htm#Pickett. This site provides a scan of another copy of this pamphlet, http://sliderulemuseum.com/Manuals/M52_Pickett_HowToUseSR_3EasySteps_FormM-20.pdf.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1964
publisher
Pickett Industries
author
Hartung, Maurice L.
ID Number
1991.0445.02.01
accession number
1991.0445
catalog number
1991.0445.02.01

Charles Bruning 2401 Simplex Slide Rule

This one-sided, five-inch white molded plastic linear slide rule has a glass indicator with a metal frame. The top edge is beveled and has a 12.5 cm scale, divided to millimeters. The top of the base has an A scale and is marked: CHARLES BRUNING CO.
Description
This one-sided, five-inch white molded plastic linear slide rule has a glass indicator with a metal frame. The top edge is beveled and has a 12.5 cm scale, divided to millimeters. The top of the base has an A scale and is marked: CHARLES BRUNING CO. It is also marked: MADE IN U.S.A. The slide has B, CI, and C scales on one side and S, L, and T scales on the other side. The left end of the front of the slide is marked: 2401. The bottom edge of the rule is beveled and has a five-inch scale, divided to 32nds of an inch. Three screws on the back of the rule permit the top of the base to be adjusted.
The instrument fits in a brown leather sleeve, which in turn fits in a red cardboard box. The box is marked: BRUNING (/) [Bruning logo of CB inside a diamond] (/) CHARLES BRUNING COMPANY, INC. A slip of paper inside the box advertises a magnifier that could be ordered for 60 cents from any of fourteen Bruning branch offices located across the United States. For an instruction manual received with the instrument, see 1991.0445.03.01.
Charles Bruning (1866–1931) was born in Denmark and immigrated to the United States. In Chicago during the 1890s, he became interested in the blueprint business. In 1897 he set up his own blueprinting company in Manhattan, which was incorporated at the New York Blue Print Paper Company in 1901. Around 1920 he purchased American Blue Print Company of Chicago, and the combined firms became known as the Charles Bruning Company, Inc. The company's 1921 catalog lists eleven slide rules, although it is unclear whether any of these were actually manufactured by Bruning. By 1936 a new system of numbering was introduced. It assigned different model numbers to slide rules sold with different types of cases. This increased the number of model numbers to 14, but only 8 of these appear to be distinct. By 1952 most slide rules sold by Bruning were all-metal slide rules manufactured by Pickett & Eckel. This all-plastic rule is an exception.
The instruction manual was copyrighted in 1944. This model is not shown in the 1939 Bruning catalog. By 1952 the indicator was of a different form. Hence, this rule likely dates from 1944 to 1951. The Charles Bruning Company merged with the Addressograph-Multigraph Corporation in 1963.
References: New York Blue Print Paper Company, Catalog (New York, 1921), 155–157; "Charles Bruning," New York Times (January 31, 1931), 14; Charles Bruning Company, Inc., General Catalog (New York, 1936), 130–134; Charles Bruning Company, Inc., General Catalog (New York, 1939), 146–152; Charles Bruning Company, Inc., General Catalog (Teterboro, N.J. and Chicago, 1952), 121.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1944-1951
maker
Charles Bruning Company
ID Number
1991.0445.03
accession number
1991.0445
catalog number
1991.0445.03

Instruction Manual for Charles Bruning Model 2401 Slide Rule

The citation information for this 16-page pamphlet is Charles Bruning Company, Inc., Instruction Manual for Bruning Slide Rule No. 2401 (New York, 1944). The cover notes that the company had applied for a patent on a slide rule indicator, but no such patent has been found.
Description
The citation information for this 16-page pamphlet is Charles Bruning Company, Inc., Instruction Manual for Bruning Slide Rule No. 2401 (New York, 1944). The cover notes that the company had applied for a patent on a slide rule indicator, but no such patent has been found. The manual begins with the claim that results on model 2401 were significant to three digits. After explaining the parts of a slide rule, the manual divides the process of learning to use a slide rule into twelve steps, each of which are discussed with examples, solutions, and exercises in the remainder of the pamphlet. This manual was received with 1991.0445.03.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1944
maker
Charles Bruning Company, Inc.
ID Number
1991.0445.03.01
accession number
1991.0445
catalog number
1991.0445.03.01

Stanley Slide Rule Invented by James Hogg

By the late 19th century, several American inventors proposed special-purpose slide rules. One of them was James Hogg (1851–1930), an English mechanical engineer who came to the United States in 1880 and soon was overseer at the Globe Worsted Mill in Lawrence, Mass.
Description
By the late 19th century, several American inventors proposed special-purpose slide rules. One of them was James Hogg (1851–1930), an English mechanical engineer who came to the United States in 1880 and soon was overseer at the Globe Worsted Mill in Lawrence, Mass. During his time in Lawrence, Hogg devised this slide rule and arranged to have it manufactured by the Stanley Rule & Level Company of New Britain, Conn. He went on to patent a spindle for spinning machies (U.S. Patent 401,703) and feeding mechanisms for carding machines (U.S. Patents 562,610; 686,071; and 686,072).
This instrument is a wooden linear slide rule with a metal slide and metal edges on all four sides. The scales on the top of the base are lettered A, B, and C; the scales on the slide are lettered D and E; and the scales on the bottom of the base are lettered F, NUM, and LOG. The A and NUM scales range from 1 to 10, divided logarithmically. The B, C, D, and E scales range from 1 to 10 and then from 1 to 10 again, divided logarithmically. The F scale is divided like the B, C, D, and E scales, but runs in the opposite direction. The LOG scale is a scale of equal parts, ranging from 1 to 100 and divided in increments of one-half. The back of the slide is a twelve-inch scale divided to tenths of an inch and to eighths of an inch.
The back of the rule also has a twelve-inch scale divided to tenths of an inch on one edge and a twelve-inch scale divided to eighths of an inch on the other edge. In between are tables providing conversion factors from the volumes of geometric solids to cubic inches and feet; conversion factors from the volumes of geometric solids to the weights in pounds of various substances; the areas of polygons from 5 to 12 sides; the gauge points of a circle; and gauge points for pumping engines, to find the diameters of steam cylinders that will work pumps of specified diameter at 7 pounds per square inch. Compare to 1981.0934.01.
The back is marked: PAT. APPLIED FOR IMPROVED SLIDE RULE (/) ARRANGED & CONSTRUCTED BY (/) JAS. HOGG LAWRENCES MASS. U.S.A. (/) MANUFACTURED BY (/) STANLEY RULE & LEVEL CO. NEW BRITAIN, CONN. No patent has been found for the instrument.
Hogg moved from Lawrence in 1888 and subsequently worked for Stephen Sanford & Sons, Inc., in Amsterdam, N.Y., and the Bigelow Carpet Company in Lowell, Mass. An 1888 advertisement reported that the rule and instruction book sold together for $4.00. The instrument was still on sale in 1908, with instruction book, for a price of $3.50.
References: James Hogg, A Practical Course in Instruction with Hogg's Improved Slide-Rule in Arithmetic and Mensuration (Boston: Rand, Avery Co., 1887); "James Hogg," Transactions of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers 52 (1930): 77; "Hogg's Improved Slide Rule," Wade's Fibre & Fabric 7, no. 182 (August 25, 1888): 203, 209; "New Publications," Textile World Record 36 (1908): 631; Thomas Wyman, "Slide Rules of the Stanley Rule & Level Company and other American Makers," The Chronicle of the Early American Industries Association 54, no. 3 (2001): 114–117.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880-1888
maker
Stanley Rule and Level Company
ID Number
1991.0556.01
catalog number
1991.0556.01
accession number
1991.0556

Faber-Castell 67/87 Rietz Simplex Slide Rule

This inexpensive one-sided white plastic (Geroplast) five-inch linear slide rule has a transparent plastic indicator. A five-inch scale along the upper edge of the rule is divided to 32nds of an inch.
Description
This inexpensive one-sided white plastic (Geroplast) five-inch linear slide rule has a transparent plastic indicator. A five-inch scale along the upper edge of the rule is divided to 32nds of an inch. Scales on the base and on the front of the slide are not lettered, but the scales on the top of the base correspond to K and A scales and the scales on the bottom of the base correspond to D and L scales. Scales on the slide correspond to B, CI, and C scales. The scales on the back of the slide are labeled sin, sin/tg, and tg. This arrangement of scales is known as the "System Rietz," developed by the German engineer Max Rietz in 1902.
The left end of the slide is marked: CASTELL. Underneath the slide is marked: [logo of weighing scales] A. W. FABER [logo of castle on its right side] CASTELL [logo of castle on its right side] 67/87 RIETZ (/) MADE IN GERMANY. Under the slide is also stamped: I. MOLELLA. Date codes on the back appear to read 53 and 1. The brown leather case is marked: FABER- (/) CASTELL (/) 67/87 (/) Made in Germany.
Faber-Castell of southern Germany introduced the 67 series of slide rules in 1952 and sold them through about 1976, although the form of logo on this example was only in use from 1952 to 1956. The date codes suggest a manufacture date of January 1953.
The owner of the slide rule, Isaac Giancinto Molella (1908–1982), was in the Cornell University class of 1932. He worked for General Electric as an electrical engineer at Electronics Park in Syracuse, N.Y., in 1953, and as a technical representative for the U.S. Air Force at radar sites in North Africa and Europe between 1954 and 1957.
References: Dieter von Jezierski, Slide Rules: A Journey Through Three Centuries, trans. Rodger Shepherd (Mendham, N.J.: Astragal Press, 2000), 28, 34, 53–61; Panagiotis Vinetsianos, "A. W. Faber Castell Slide Rules: The Relationship Between Date of Manufacture and Indication of Brand Name, Model Number, and Model Name," Journal of the Oughtred Society 9, no. 1 (2000): 3–6; accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1953
maker
Faber, A. W.
ID Number
1992.0433.03
accession number
1992.0433
catalog number
1992.0433.03

Keuffel & Esser 4080-3 Log Log Trig Duplex Slide Rule

This ten-inch double-sided mahogany rule is fully covered with white celluloid. On one side, there are L, LL1, DF, D, LL3, and LL2 scales on the base and CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide. The top of the base is marked in red: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y.; PATS.
Description
This ten-inch double-sided mahogany rule is fully covered with white celluloid. On one side, there are L, LL1, DF, D, LL3, and LL2 scales on the base and CF, CIF, CI, and C scales on the slide. The top of the base is marked in red: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y.; PATS. RE.20,984 1,930,852 2,168,056 2,170,144 PAT. PEND.; MADE IN U.S.A. The right end of the slide is marked with the model number: < 4080-3 >. On the other side, there are LL0, LL00, A, D, DI, and K scales on the base and B, T, ST, and S scales on the slide. The left end of the slide and the front left corner of the base are marked with a serial number: 728903. The indicator is glass with plastic edges held together with metal screws. A piece is missing from the top edge; if it were whole, it would read: KEUFFEL & ESSER CO. N.Y. The bottom edge is marked: PATENT 2,086,502.
In images of the object, the slide is upside down.
The rule fits into a sewn orange leather case. The flap is marked: K & E (/) LOG LOG DUPLEX (/) TRADE TRIG MARK (/) 4080-3S. The S refers to the sewed leather case. A paper table of equivalences was once attached to the case, but most of it has been torn away. The remaining portions resemble the charts on K&E simplex slide rules, such as 1984.1068.01. The back of the case has a metal ring, presumably to fit around a belt loop, and is marked: R. L. HUFFMAN.
K&E used this combination of scales on this model from 1939 to 1947. The serial number on this example is consistent with a date earlier in this time frame. In 1947, it sold for $18.00. Included in the acquisition is a manual by William E. Breckenridge, The Log Log Duplex Slide Rule (1939). Compare this rule to 2007.0181.01.
Robert L. Huffman owned this instrument. It seems likely that he used it as a college student. He received a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota in 1941. Huffman went on to work for Automatic Electric Company of Chicago and then, from 1945, for General Telephone Laboratories.
References: Alfred W. Keuffel, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent RE20,984 reissued Janaury 24, 1939); Alfred W. Keuffel, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 1,930,852 issued October 17, 1933); Adolf W. Keuffel, "Runner for Slide Rules" (U.S. Patent 2,086,502 issued July 6, 1937); Carl M. Bernegau, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,168,056 issued August 1, 1939); Lyman M. Kells, Willis F. Kern, and James R. Bland, "Slide Rule" (U.S. Patent 2,170,144 issued August 22, 1939); Clark McCoy, "Collection of Pages from K&E Catalogs for the 4081-3 Family of Slide Rules: 4080-3 & 4081-3 Family Groups," http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEModels/ke4081-3family.htm; The Automatic Electric Technical Journal 1, no. 2 (July 1948): front matter.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1939-1947
maker
Keuffel & Esser Co.
ID Number
1992.0437.01
catalog number
1992.0437.01
accession number
1992.0437

Hemmi-Sun 255 Duplex Slide Rule

This ten-inch bamboo rule is coated on both sides and its long outer edges with white celluloid. The rule is held together with metal posts. The glass indicator has a metal frame with bamboo and celluloid sides.
Description
This ten-inch bamboo rule is coated on both sides and its long outer edges with white celluloid. The rule is held together with metal posts. The glass indicator has a metal frame with bamboo and celluloid sides. The rule is marked on the base's upper right front corner: SUN (between two drawings of the sun) HEMMI JAPAN CL NO. 255.
Hemmi designed this model for electrical engineers. The front of the base has L, K, DF, D, χ, and θ scales. The front of the slide has CF, CIF, CI, and C scales. The back of the base has Sh1, Sh2, Th, A, D, LL3, LL2, and LL1 scales, with B, TI2, TI1, SI, and C scales on the back of the slide.
The rule is stored in a green rectangular fabricoid and cardboard box which is opened by removing the right end. This end is marked: SUN (between two drawings of the sun) (/) HEMMI BAMBOO (/) SLIDE RULE. There are two stars where the box joins together. Both ends of the box are heavily taped.
After 1950, Hemmi rules were stamped with codes indicating the year and month of manufacture. According to the code on this instrument (CL), it was made in December 1952. The donor reported that he purchased it in Japan in 1955.
Reference: International Slide Rule Museum, "Slide Rule Dates and Time-Lines," http://sliderulemuseum.com/SR_Dates.htm.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1952
maker
SUN HEMMI JAPAN CF
ID Number
1992.0574.01
accession number
1992.0574
catalog number
1992.0574.01

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