Open Divided Scale Advertising Dexter Brothers

Description:

This tan plastic scale rule is marked with faux wood grain and has been broken into two pieces. The top edge has scales for 1/2" and 1" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/2", numbered from left to right by ones from 1 to 20, and numbered from right to left by ones from 1 to 10. The bottom edge has scales for 1/8" and 1/4" to the foot. Between these scales is a scale divided to 1/8", numbered from left to right by twos from 1 to 92, and numbered from right to left by ones from 1 to 20 and then by twos from 20 to 46.

The center of the rule is marked: Use Dexter Brothers' English Shingle Stains. It is also marked: Copyrighted by (/) DEXTER BROS., (/) BOSTON, MASS. According to the Boston Directory of 1869, 1880, and 1900, Dexter Brothers was founded by Charles W., Frank K., Wallace D., and George B. Dexter. The firm manufactured paints, oils, and drugs on Broad Street in Boston. It remained in business at least as late as 1919. The donor, David Shayt, was a National Museum of American History staff member.

For other open divided or chain scales, see 1981.0933.14, 1981.0933.15, 1992.0433.04, 1998.0032.08, and 1998.0032.09.

Date Made: 1869–1919

Maker: Dexter Brothers

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: Massachusetts, Boston

Subject: MathematicsPromotional ItemDrafting, Engineering

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Mathematics, Science & Mathematics, Scale Rules

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of David H. Shayt

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1983.0237.01Accession Number: 1983.0237Catalog Number: 1983.0237.01

Object Name: rulescale rule

Physical Description: plastic (overall material)Measurements: overall: .1 cm x 29.8 cm x 3.2 cm; 1/32 in x 11 23/32 in x 1 1/4 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a7-4139-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_905199

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.