T-Squares

A few squares and triangles from the Mathematics collection in the Medicine and Science.

Some of the T-squares are shaped like Ls or have calipers. The examples in the collection range from simple, crudely constructed instruments to well-made, mass-produced T-squares. The newest object was for use at the blackboard in a mathematics classroom.

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Fairgate 155-T T-Square

This 27" aluminum and plastic T-square has scales of inches along both sides of the handle. One scale is divided to 1/8" and the other is divided to 1/16". Both scales are numbered by ones from 1 to 24. The end of the handle has a hole for hanging.
Description
This 27" aluminum and plastic T-square has scales of inches along both sides of the handle. One scale is divided to 1/8" and the other is divided to 1/16". Both scales are numbered by ones from 1 to 24. The end of the handle has a hole for hanging. The handle is marked: FAIRGATE 115–T. It is also marked: COLD SPRING, N.Y. 10516 MADE IN U.S.A.
The blue plastic crosspiece has holes in its interior. The lower edge of the crosspiece is marked with a scale of units slightly longer than one inch, divided to eighths and numbered by ones from 1 to 5 on both sides of the handle. The back of the crosspiece is marked: FAIRGATE (/) COLD SPRING NY (/) MADE IN U.S.A.
This instrument was found in the collections in 1984. The Fairgate Rule Company began manufacturing high-quality aluminum scale rules, T-squares, L-squares, templates, and curves in Cold Spring, N.Y., in 1946 and remains in business as of 2013. This particular T-square is now sold as model number 63-124 for $14.10.
Reference: Fairgate Rule Company, "Frequently Asked Questions," https://fairgate.com/Frequently-Asked-Questions_ep_42-1.html.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1946-1984
maker
Fairgate Rule Company Inc..
ID Number
1990.0316.06
accession number
1990.0316
catalog number
1990.0316.06

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