Rare Antique TWO-FOOT, Four-FOLD FOLDING RULE by A. Gifford, Westport, Massachusetts

This is an arch joint, full bound rule

Rule maker Anthony Gifford was also whaling ship captain

Measures approx. 24" long when folded out

One pin In place with brass pin holder

Name is stamped faintly, but there between “9” and “10”

Also stamped JCF on brass edge

Ca 1840-1850

For reasons that aren't completely clear, Gifford established a rule making factory near a village known as "Head of Westport." The name derives from the fact that the village is located at the head of the tide in the local estuary. This is about 10 or 12 miles upstream from the open Atlantic Ocean. Gifford rules were made over a time span that probably was no longer than about 20 years, and they are fairly uncommon to find today. Gifford's rule factory and its rules were the object of an article by Don and Anne Wing, published some time ago in The Chronicle of the EAIA (Early American Industries Association).

Gifford rules were made over a time span that probably was no longer than about 20 years, and they are fairly uncommon to find today. The Wings estimate that there may be no more than 75 to 100 in existence.

·        Gifford was a whaling sea captain who made rules in Westport circa 1840 - 1850s.

·        Listed as Rule Maker. — Anthony Gifford, Westport in Massachusetts Register, A State Record for the Year 1852, p. 81. George Adams, publisher. Boston.

·        Listed under Rule Manufacturer as Gifford Anthony, Westport in The Massachusetts Register for the year 1853. p. 72. George Adams, publisher. Boston.

·        Listed under Rule Maker as Gifford Anthony, Westport in The Massachusetts Business Directory, for the Year 1856, p. 52. George Adams, publisher. Boston.

·        Westport, Massachusetts. Boston Evening Transcript describes a fire that totally destroyed the rule factory of Capt. Anthony Gifford. The value of the business was partially insured and the business continued based extant rules.

·        Gifford's rules are well described in a June 2002 article by Anne & Don Wing titled: A rural rulemaker: Captain Anthony Gifford published in the Chronicle of the Early American Industries Association, Inc.

·        Gifford died in 1862.

CONDITION
Good

Wood piece missing near hinge near “19”

While this shows damage, this is a rare piece

Name is difficult to read, but there near “10” and "9"

No other issues noted

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