Smallwood Boxwood folding rule

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

I found a 24 inch four piece folding rule by Smallwood at a flea market... it's in nice shape (sorry no pics) and has beautiful hinges and center folding hinge in brass... Are they worth anything... looks quite old.

I also found a brass bound rosewood handled Stanley adjustable square, with the lever, not the screw.... also very nice

I paid 15 bucks for both.:)

[Woxbox]

I've wondered the same thing. I've got a 24" Stanley No. 61; a 6-inch Stanley No. 36 that has a brass caliper built into it, and a 12-inch no name four-parter that appears older than the Stanleys. I've always been fascinated by these things, although I can't say I use them often. How collectible are they?

[rbgarr]

Check out the 'completed auctions' on eBay via the 'Advanced Search' function. In descending order, generally, the most valuable folding rules by Stanley are the ivory brass-bound ones, the boxwood brass-bound ones with calipers, and unbound basswood with brass hinge only. Condition is everything.

My favorite bevel square is one of those rosewood Stanleys with the lever. Finestkind. Pretty beat up and worn so it's not at all valuable, but a nice tool.

[Bob Cleek]

Yep, they are worth a few bucks. You did good for what you paid. Some time back, Garrett Wade, IIRC, was selling used 24" "blind man" folders as collectables. I think they wanted about $100 bucks for them. The 36" version (9" folded) is still available in the "jewelry tool" catalogs at a reasonable price. I expect that Lie Nielsen will soon be offering a 24" repro for six or eight hundred bucks!

Nice catch.

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

It has the arched hinges... lovely piece. Giving it to my dad for christmas. Thanks all... as usual, you can find out anything here.

[ewan]

i have an old one that has been burn't and have wondered about replacing the wood. any suggestions on wood (boxwood aside or has it particular value stability wise) and how to make the markings?
the hinges are fine but the scale is too messed up.
very nice gear and a great xmas present. thetype of tool that can be a decoration...

[rbgarr]

If you're up to it, get some of the 'plastic' ivory (a resin product) and carve it like scrimshaw. It would be unique and a thoughtful gift.

[Bob Cleek]

Yes, the boxwood is important because of its stability. You don't want a ruler that changes its shape!

[Bob Smalser]

I think the good old 24" single-fold remains the handiest for boatbuilding.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/7562968/99128131.jpg