jprostak Posted January 6, 2018 Share #1 Posted January 6, 2018 One of the often overlooked items among intrenching tools of the Pre-WWI era is the 2 Foot Folding Ruler. These are very little talked about in Army documentation. While doing research on line and at the National Archive, I came across this documentation. A US Army document on Intrenching Tools tests, dated 5-6-1905 describes these rules in one line. "The 2-foot Rule recommended is the ordinary 2-foot rule of commerce" On Drawing # 20-2-51, Intrenching Tools, dated 6-30-1905, there is a description of a two foot folding ruler as; RULE One- Boxwood 2 ft. 4 fold, square joint,half bound, 1 inch wide, Graduated to 8ths, 10ths, 12ths and 16ths of an inch and without Caliper. "Stanley No. 84" made by Stanley Rule and Level Co., New Britain, Conn. on the same drawing dated 1/5/1909 identified as Revision # 7, the No. 84 is crossed out and a new Ruler is described as; 2 Ft., 4 Fold, Full Brass Bound, 1 inch wide when folded (STANLEY, No. 62) This is change is described in the cover letter as necessary to standardize the rules in the Army. Both of these rulers are available online from various sources. Almost all are unmarked commercial models. I have seen one or two over the last year that were marked as US Army Property. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE These commercial rulers are not worth more than $20 to $25 dollars. There are lots of them out there. Don't everyone rush to Ebay and pay some crazy price for one or get into a pissing match over one and make it go to $75 or more. Wait, one will be out there for $20. If you find a US Army marked one, go crazy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jprostak Posted January 6, 2018 Author Share #2 Posted January 6, 2018 And Photo #2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve B. Posted January 6, 2018 Share #3 Posted January 6, 2018 Wow! Very interesting! I have a two-foot folding ruler that looks almost identical to the one shown, except it is not a Stanley. It is "No. 268 Master Rule Mfg. Co. Inc. N.Y. Made in U.S.A." I don't remember where I got it. but I probably bought it because I thought it was cool and it was cheap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinb Posted January 6, 2018 Share #4 Posted January 6, 2018 I like the fact that they are identified by the maker and model number. There are a number of tool kits that require a 2 foot folding rule but there is never any mention in the supply catalogs as to which maker or model is used. I see folding rulers every weekend at flea markets and antique shows and stores. Nothing rare about them. But now I know which ones to keep an eye out for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinb Posted January 6, 2018 Share #5 Posted January 6, 2018 Here my only martially marked one. It's out of a TE-5 Signal Corps tool kit. It's a #62 but it's not a Stanley. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluehawk Posted January 6, 2018 Share #6 Posted January 6, 2018 Very famous ruler, for old people who like tools. "If you find a US Army marked one, go crazy." YES! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
world war I nerd Posted January 6, 2018 Share #7 Posted January 6, 2018 Great info Jon, I've always wondered what these things looked like, but have never once seen an example. Thanks a bunch for sharing what you found out about this obscure article of field gear. Thanks also, for spending so much of your free time digging through documents at the National Archives where you unearth these nuggets of information. Your diligence, and willingness to share, is much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Military Engineer Posted January 6, 2018 Share #8 Posted January 6, 2018 Great Post, Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccyooper Posted January 9, 2018 Share #9 Posted January 9, 2018 I think all the tools and rulers in the early SC Kits were marked SC USA. Here is a picture of the one I have. The later kits (WWII and post war) use generic tools that are not marked SC, at least mine isn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_rambow Posted January 9, 2018 Share #10 Posted January 9, 2018 I have one that came with a grouping (plus two others that I found at the flea market and just liked). None of them are Army marked. I'll have to check the manufacturer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Military Engineer Posted January 13, 2018 Share #11 Posted January 13, 2018 Jon, Do you have anything on the five-foot tape that replaced the two-foot rule? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jprostak Posted January 13, 2018 Author Share #12 Posted January 13, 2018 All I have is what is in the Cavalry Board Report, which I can upload in the next couple of days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now