PROBABLY FLEMISH, DATED 1601

Details

A BRASS-HANDLED IRON ELL RULE
PROBABLY FLEMISH, DATED 1601
The tapering rule dated 1601 and with three engraved calibrations on one side and four calibrations on the reverse, the handle cast as a figure with a tall hat pierced at the end for suspension
32½ in. (83 cm.) long overall, on a stand

Provenance

With Michael Dunn, Claverack, New York, May 1990.

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 20% on the buyer's premium.

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Lot Essay

In England, the ell was usually 45 in (1.143 m). It was mainly used in the tailoring business but is now obsolete. It was derived from the length of the arm from the shoulder to the wrist, although the exact length was never defined in English law. The Flemish Ell equates to 27 in. long.

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