Object Description
A flat boxwood brass ended 36 inch yard rule, divided in inches and inscribed J Rabone and Sons, Birmingham, made in England No. 1139. The whole has a good colour and patination.
John Rabone and Sons were tool and rule makers in Birmingham. In 1872 the company’s newly patented spirit levels and rules were exhibited in Moscow and Vienna in Europe, and Melbourne and Sydney in Australia. They merged with James Chesterman and Company, tool makers of Sheffield in 1963 and are now trading as Rabone Chesterman at Hockley Abbey Works, Whitmore Street, Birmingham 18. The family still runs the business today.