Tool - Brass Folding Ruler

Historical information

This style of rule was very popular in the 1930s and 1940 and was a necessity in any tradesman or handyman's tool kit. It was donated to our Society by Ray Fischer of Barnawartha near Wodonga.
Rabone & Sons were a long established rule manufacturer. Michael Rabone carried on a business as a rule maker at 8 Snow Hill, Sheffield, England from about 1780. The business was continued by John Rabone and his (John's) grandson, Eric Rabone. It operated under the name of John Rabone & Sons from 1784 -1953, becoming a public company in 1948. The company's headquarters were in Birmingham, England. Lasting through to the early 1960s as an independent family business, the company merged with James Chesterman and Co of Sheffield.

Significance

This rule was donated by a member of the Wodonga district from his farm workshop.

Physical description

A brass 24" folding ruler made by J. Rabone & Sons, Birmingham, England. It is marked No. 1243. It consists of two twelve inch sections, hinged at one end.

Inscriptions & markings

J. RABONE & SONS BIRMINGHAM
NO> 1243

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