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I found an interesting ruler/measuring stick.

I found an interesting ruler/measuring stick.
I can't think what it was used for.
Made by Rabone (England). The ruler is wooden and heavy. Brass end caps and is approximately 84 inches long.
Anyone any ideas? Measuring horses or cattle?



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Comments

  1. Ann KennedyJuly 22, 2017 at 8:41 AM

    First of all it's great to see you posting interesting things again, Darren! I wonder if this was used by a lumberman before rulers were hinged? I don't know but I know they measured long stands of wooden boards to prepare for shipping.

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  2. Darran HughesJuly 22, 2017 at 8:59 AM

    Ann Kennedy hello Ann. A lumberman, I never thought of that. Time for me to ask the Google gods all about Lumbermen.

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  3. Mike PerryJuly 22, 2017 at 9:01 AM

    Interesting to see, though I'm not sure what it would have been used for, My dad had a folding Rabone ruler - wood and brass, 3 feet extended - which I now have. Nice to see you posting.

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  4. Patsy PriebeJuly 22, 2017 at 9:06 AM

    What you have there is quite an extremely interesting ruler! I also wonder why it was not hinged.
    From the typeface of the numerals it appears to be quite old but I would not have any idea just how old.
    So glad to see you posting!

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  5. Darran HughesJuly 22, 2017 at 9:11 AM

    Mike Perry hello Mike. I have a folding 3 foot one also and it's in brail for the sight impaired. Made by the Rabone company.

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  6. Darran HughesJuly 22, 2017 at 9:23 AM

    Patsy Priebe it is a strange thing isn't it. A friend said it might have been used for measuring linoleum and might date from the early 50s. It's very odd that it ends at 84inches.

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  7. Oshi ShikigamiJuly 22, 2017 at 9:45 AM

    There is, or was, a national lumber store chain, called, 84 Lumber." With house building, it is common practice to place vertical 2x4" studs, at 16" spacing. And 84, divides evenly by 16, as 7. There may be a connection? Perhaps 84" is the longest practical length for some types of lumber?

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  8. Ann KennedyJuly 22, 2017 at 9:46 AM

    Oshi Shikigami Bingo Oshi! Brilliant possibility. I remember 84 Lumber well.

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  9. Laurent TruilletJuly 22, 2017 at 10:22 AM

    I have seen such a wooden ruler in an old shop selling cloth. It was 1 meter long and did not fold. A similar application to measuring linoleum.

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  10. Margaret Siemers (Siemers Rafter Room)July 22, 2017 at 11:31 PM

    Darran Hughes, for what it's worth; Rabone made Carpenters Rules. This was before the hinged rule was invented. Your rule is older than 1950 as hinged Carpenters Rules were patented in 1932/34.
    Oshi Shikigami gets the prize for closest guess, while standard board length is 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 feet the lumber company she mentions, 84 Lumber, was a nod to the old 84 inch Carpenter's Rule.

    Not only do I know how to research odd things like this, I once upon a time worked for Home Depot. ; )

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