A Source Book for Rule Collectors

Book excerpt: Rule collectors rejoice! In A Source Book for Rule Collectors and its companion Concordance and Value Guide, Philip Stanley has crafted a masterfully comprehensive, beautifully illustrated reference guide to measuring instruments covering their history, use, and value. A Source Book for Rule Collectors includes: Selected reprints of the best articles of the last 100 years dealing with rules and measurement; An extensive discussion of the materials, construction, graduations and uses of rules; A detailed table of the European measures used before the metric system, allowing the identification of rules by the size of their graduations as to their county of origin; A thorough cataloging of the many types of rule accessories offered over the years; A complete bibliography of reprints, articles, books, and publications dealing with measuring instruments. The Concordance and Value Guide contributes: Complete information identifying and comparing all rules made by all major American makers, allowing the identification of an unmarked rule as to its maker and rule number; Estimates for each rule's value as a function of condition and maker; Extensive information regarding the factors affecting rule value, including condition, selling environment, charisma.. These books are not only an essential reference set, but a pleasure to read as well. Mr. Stanley's breadth of knowledge and his regard for the rules he discusses are apparent throughout. For an antique tool dealer, a rule collector, or a student of the history of technology, these books will be essential.