Exceptional Octagonal Ruler

Octagonal rulers were often crafted by toolmakers, carpenters, or blacksmiths who specialized in producing high-quality measuring tools, particularly for trades like woodworking, architecture, and surveying. While there isn't one specific company or individual historically credited with "inventing" or popularizing octagonal rulers, various makers were known for producing specialized tools. Here's an overview of how they might have been made and who was involved:

1. Early Craftsmen and Toolmakers

• In earlier centuries, craftsmen who made tools for specific trades, such as carpenters, surveyors, or architects, may have fashioned octagonal rulers from wood or metal. These rulers would have been custom-made to suit the needs of the tradespeople using them, often handcrafted from materials like hardwood, brass, or steel.
• Carpenters and joiners often made their own measuring tools, including octagonal rulers, using wood or other materials available to them, tailored to the specific needs of their craft.

2. Tool Manufacturing Companies (19th and 20th Centuries)

• During the 19th and 20th centuries, with the rise of industrialization, specialized tool-making companies began producing a wider variety of measuring devices, including octagonal rulers. Many of these were part of sets designed for carpenters, machinists, and architects.
• Notable tool manufacturing companies that made high-quality measuring tools (although not exclusively octagonal rulers) included:
• Stanley Works: Founded in the mid-1800s, Stanley became well-known for producing woodworking tools, including rulers and measuring devices.
• Lufkin Rule Co.: Another respected manufacturer of measuring tools, including various types of rulers and tape measures.
• H. Chapin’s Sons: A 19th-century maker of wooden measuring tools, such as rulers, folding rules, and squares. They produced a variety of wooden rulers, possibly including octagonal versions for specific trades.

3. Artisanal and Custom Tool Makers

• Some artisanal toolmakers may have made custom octagonal rulers for architects, surveyors, or woodworkers who needed precise measuring tools. These would have been highly specialized, often handmade to suit the specific needs of the user.

4. Makers of Drafting Tools

• Companies that specialized in producing drafting tools, such as Keuffel & Esser (K&E), known for making high-quality drawing and measuring instruments, may have produced specialized rulers, including octagonal ones, for architects and engineers.

No maker’s mark noted through there are some hard to read words at one end

8 scales on this piece

12 inches in length

 CONDITION

Very Good

No issues noted

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