Measuring rule thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Measuring rule

Rule
c. 1650 - ca. 1700 (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Germany (made)

The decorative techniques on this rule recall cutlery handles made in Germany in the 17th century (comparable pieces are in the Museum's collection, inv. nos. 1193A and B-1864).
This ruler consisted perhaps originally of six measurement sections and was just over six inches long. It was probably a tailor's measuring rule. At the broken end of the rule it can be seen to be partly hollow to a depth of about 2.5 cm.


Object details

Categories
Sculpture
Tools & Equipment
Object type
Rule
TitleMeasuring rule (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Ivory, inlaid with silver branch work and heightened with colour
Ivory
Silver
Inlay
Brief description
A portion of a measuring rule, ivory, probably Germany, ca. 1650-1700
Physical description
The measuring rule is partly coloured in red and green, and decorated with silver piqué and branch work; it is marked with the numbers 1 -2 -3 - 4 - 5 at approximately one inch intervals.
Dimensions
  • Length: 15.5cm
  • Height: 0.8cm
  • Width: 0.8cm
Credit line
Given by Professor John Westwood (1805-1893) in 1866.
Object history
Given by Professor John Westwood (1805-1893) in 1866.
Summary
The decorative techniques on this rule recall cutlery handles made in Germany in the 17th century (comparable pieces are in the Museum's collection, inv. nos. 1193A and B-1864).
This ruler consisted perhaps originally of six measurement sections and was just over six inches long. It was probably a tailor's measuring rule. At the broken end of the rule it can be seen to be partly hollow to a depth of about 2.5 cm.
Bibliographic references
  • Inventory of Art Objects acquired in the Year 1866. Inventory of the Objects in the Art Division of the Museum at South Kensington, arranged According to the Dates of their Acquisition. Vol. 1. London : Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O., 1868, p. 17
  • Dunn, Richard. Scientific Instruments at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Bulletin of the Scientific Instrument Society. no. 79, 2003, pp. 6-14
  • Longhurst, Margaret H. Catalogue of Carvings in Ivory. Part. II. London: Pub. under the authority of the Board of Education, 1927-1929, p. 100
  • Trusted, Marjorie, Baroque & Later Ivories, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, 2013, cat. no. 49
Collection
Sculpture Collection
Accession number
234-1866

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdAugust 12, 2008
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O165192/measuring-rule-rule-unknown/
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest