Larry and Carole Meeker

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Antique Slide Rule

Sales Archive

The #4012 Thatcher Calculator by Keuffel & Esser  The Thatcher calculator is one of the best known and most sought after of all calculating devices that was ever produced or offered.  First introduced in England in the 1880's it was developed and designed by a fellow named Edwin Thacher, ( Keuffel & Esser did him the disservice of misspelling his name on subsequent calculators they offered by adding a T making for Thatcher appearing on the calculators).  First patented in the US in 1881,  production and manufacture was originally carried out in England but was moved to the US shortly after K & E bought out the rights to manufacture the rule.  There were two basic models available the 4012 and the 4013 which was basically the same rule with the addition of a magnifier which ran on a bar in front of the scales. 

The condition of this early example is stunning.  The paper scales which are often damaged, or yellowed and peeling or flaking from rust under them are nearly flawless in this example. The previous owner has circled a few numbers in ink on the internal scales to facilitate a repeated calculation he must have been making, but this is minor and insignificant to the overall importance of this rule.  The instructions are complete and legible as well.     SOLD

 

<#4061 T> 5" Duplex Slide Rule w/ Trig Scales and Clamshell Cursor  This is a very rare sliderule that K & E only produced for a few short years back near the turn of the century.  It has the second model cursor K & E produced or experimented with known as the clamshell model. Keuffel and Esser used this design for a very short period before offering the columned cursor and then the frameless cursor before they settled in to the typical design framed cursor that most rules are found with.

The condition of this example is super.  There is no serial # and it has 2 patent dates from 1905 and 1908 on the bottom rail in red.  The leather case is missing its flap and the previous owner did write his name on it, but this is not a detraction or problem as the overall condition and rarity of the rule itself are the important aspects here.  Super!!!          SOLD

 

The #4105 Webb Stadia Rule  The Webb Stadia rule is a great design, and was meant for field use this explaining the relatively few that have survived.  It is approx 1 1/2 dia. and the inner slide rule is protected by the outer tole painted and decorated hard cover.  Keuffel & Esser's description in their catalog describes this design as being equal to a straight slide rule that was 4 1/2' long that has been compacted into a 1 1/2" cylinder that is only 15" long.  Here is a link to a page on the internet with pages from early K & E catalogs describing this rule.  It is interesting to note that at the time it only cost .50 more than the hard to find, but much more common #4100 slide rule which was also used for Stadia or survey related work.  It is a wealth of information when looking for obscure and old items that are not found in later catalogs. 

The condition of this early example is stunning.  The paper scales which are often damaged, or yellowed and peeling or flaking from rust under them are nice in this example, noting some rubs and wear.  The instructions on the tube are complete and legible as well..  This is a rare and unusual opportunity to own one of these desirable calculators.     SOLD

 

Special Note:  We have more slide rules, calculators, scientific instruments as well as another Thatcher calculator for less money for sale on our sister site www.patented-antiques.com.  Please take a look.   

Note:  To see more sales results we have had over the years visit the Past Sales Archives on our sister site www.Patented-Antiques.com

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