triangular architect's scale
Date: circa 1900
Inventory Number: 2003-1-0201
Classification: Ruler
Subject:
Maker: Queen & Company (1893 - 1912)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
2 x 32.5 x 2 cm (13/16 x 12 13/16 x 13/16 in.)
Material:
DescriptionTriangular yellow wood rule with central channel groove running the length of each face.
Each edge of each face is printed with at least one scale. Printed along the top edge of the first face is a "U.S. ST'D" scale in inches, graduated into sixteenths. The number 16 is printed directly below the six-inch mark. Along the bottom edge of the same face is, from left to right, a scale in three-thirtyseconds inches and, from right to left, a scale in three-sixteenths inches.
Printed along the top edge of the second face is, from left to right, a scale in half-inches and, from right to left, a scale in inches. Along the bottom edge of the second face is, from left to right, a scale in eighth-inches and, from right to left, a scale in quarter-inches.
Printed from left to right along the top edge of the third face are: an inverted scale in eighth-inches, graduated into fourths; a scale in one-and-one-half inches; and a quarter-inch scale, graduated into eighths. Printed from right to left along the top edge of the same face is a three-inch scale. Printed along the bottom edge of the same face are, from left to right, a scale in three-eighths inches and, from right to left, a scale in three-quarters inches.
Each edge of each face is printed with at least one scale. Printed along the top edge of the first face is a "U.S. ST'D" scale in inches, graduated into sixteenths. The number 16 is printed directly below the six-inch mark. Along the bottom edge of the same face is, from left to right, a scale in three-thirtyseconds inches and, from right to left, a scale in three-sixteenths inches.
Printed along the top edge of the second face is, from left to right, a scale in half-inches and, from right to left, a scale in inches. Along the bottom edge of the second face is, from left to right, a scale in eighth-inches and, from right to left, a scale in quarter-inches.
Printed from left to right along the top edge of the third face are: an inverted scale in eighth-inches, graduated into fourths; a scale in one-and-one-half inches; and a quarter-inch scale, graduated into eighths. Printed from right to left along the top edge of the same face is a three-inch scale. Printed along the bottom edge of the same face are, from left to right, a scale in three-eighths inches and, from right to left, a scale in three-quarters inches.
Signedone side of scale, center: QUEEN & CO. INC. - PHILA.
FunctionUsed to transfer lengths at fixed ratios, as in engineers' or architects' scale drawings.
Curatorial RemarksNearly identical to 2003-1-0202, though latter does not have a maker's mark and does have one additional (1/16ths) scale.
Primary Sources"Sectors, Scales, and Protractors." Catalogue of Mathematical and Engineering Instruments and Materials Manufactured and Imported by Queen & Co. Incorporated (1893): 71.
ProvenancePrivate Donor, Troy, New York.