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This is a vintage Rabone Chesterman No. 1380 folding imperial measurement boxwood and brass ruler, made in England. It is a carpenter's measuring tool and when fully extended is 36 inches long. The markings are stamped in black (etched lines) showing measurements in inches. It is slightly worn from use, but the markings are still clear and the hinges work smoothly.
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.
A wood and brass carpenter's measure (also known as a folding rule or stick rule) offers portability, durability, and versatility in woodworking and general carpentry. Its primary facilities lie in its ability to handle a variety of measuring and layout tasks that modern tape measures struggle with. When folded, the rule is compact enough to fit easily into a pocket or tool box, making it a convenient everyday carry item for tradespeople. Unlike a flexible tape measure, the folding rule is rigid when extended, which provides a consistently straight edge for marking lines with greater accuracy. This rigidity is also ideal for making precise measurements in situations where a tape might bend or sag, such as measuring overhead. Made from durable materials like boxwood and robust brass hinges, these tools are built to last and can withstand the rigors of a workshop. The hinged sections allow the rule to be used to transfer angles or check for squareness in certain applications. The rigid nature of the rule makes it easy to take accurate inside measurements, such as the internal dimension of a box or a window frame. The straight, stable edge and clear markings are excellent for laying out joinery, squaring boxes, and making precise reference lines, often using one part of a joint to mark another for perfect fits. In essence, the wood and brass carpenter's measure is a simple, reliable, and capable tool valued for its craftsmanship and functionality in traditional and modern woodworking.
US BUYERS PLEASE NOTE: Buyers are responsible for all custom/duty tax costs. Please see information below regarding paying the 10% tariff to receive your order.I am very happy to combine postage for multiple purchases - please contact me before paying for multiple items so that I can provide a revised invoice. I do not require immediate payment on Buy It Now listings. does not automatically calculate combined postage. I will do my best to save you some $$$! However, some items are just too big and fragile to be sent combined - please ask what options I can offer before offerding. Please request a combined invoice from me directly before paying, otherwise your items will be sent separately. Please do not select Local Pickup to avoid paying postage costs if you wish to combine postage with another item already purchased - this will result in cancellation of your order.
Discounts are available for multiple purchases - PLEASE CONTACT ME BEFORE BUYING. Pickup is available from Wetherill Park, Sydney, NSW - Payment via prior to pickup is preferred. I do not deliver.
All items are sent by Australia Post Standard Mail with tracking.
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS - All items are shipped by Australia Post Standard Airmail which includes tracking. Due to the repeated loss of parcels, I no longer ship by Economy Air. US BUYERS PLEASE NOTE: Buyers are responsible for all custom/duty tax costs. I am required to prepay 10%-20% tariff on top of the amount paid for the item. I am not currently able to include this in the invoice. I will send you a message following your purchase to arrange this.
Please contact me if you have any questions or need further information.
