Type | ?
A generic name (e.g. Rietz) or function/use for specialist models (e.g. Meteorology) for grouping similar models across makers. If not “standard” 25cm linear length, preceded by the form (i.e. Demonstration, Desktop, Pocket, Waistcoat, Keyring, Lilliput or Book) + if needed, qualification to distinguish between versions (e.g. early or late).
| Technical/Business |
Sort | ?
L/C/D/T/W/X where L=Linear, C=circular, D=Drum, T=tubular, W=watch, X=miscellaneous (i.e. the rest)
| L |
Construction | ?
Basic construction form of the body i.e. Closed/solid frame or Open frame or Duplex or Other
| Duplex |
Material | ?
Basic description: ivory/bone/wood/bakelite/plastic/metal/cardboard or combinations e.g. wood/veneered, wood/painted, etc
| aliminium/cardboard |
Length | ?
Mostly the linear length of the D scale (in cm or inches) excluding any extensions. For circular/watch slide rules it is the diameter but for helical/tubular/drum slide rules it is the overall scale length. For other calculating aids it is the physical length.
| 30cm |
Scales front | ?
Standard (not maker’s) symbols for scales on front face e.g. A = X² (1-100) but § = generic symbol (signum sectiōnis) for any non-standard scale + scales between solidi / / are on the slide(s) whereas scales after vertical line | or after reversed solidus \ are on a straight or bevelled top or bottom side edge
| D / B,CI,%,§ / D |
Scales back | ?
Standard (not maker’s) symbols for scales on back face e.g. S = sine (5° to 90° & 85° to 0°) or sin(x) but § = generic symbol (signum sectiōnis) for any non-standard scale + scales between solidi / / are on the back of slide(s) but scales listed after / / - notation are on another surface e.g. back of stock or inside a lid
| §,DF / CF,CIF,C / D,§ |
Cursor type | ?
Basic description (incl. material) + no. of hairlines, etc on any cursor(s) or alternative to a cursor - e.g. a stylus
| celluloid wrap around - 3 hairlines front & back |
Condition | ?
Cn where n = 0-6 condition/quality scale where 0 = brand new in box & 6 = broken
| C4 |
Date | ?
YYYY for year(s) of production or an approximation/range of years
| 1910-1920 |
Extras | ?
Basic description of any accessories - e.g. case or stand + where relevant, an accreditation for image, etc
| image courtesy of Nico Smallenburg |
Instructions | ?
Details like “on back of rule” and/or language of instruction sheet/booklet - generic or instructions for common layouts usually not listed
| |
Comments | ?
Any special or noteworthy traits + significant use-related facts + pertinent details of scales/tables in well of stock + any significant tables, etc on the back of the stock
| Model prefix “K” = Kaufmann/merchant & suffix “d” = Duits/German version + unusually specific slide for each side of closed frame i.e. front (yellow slide) for business use & back (green slide) for technical use + many currency gauge points on front face/cursor + adjoined CI/%/§ on front = mini scales + table of gauge points abbreviations in front well + % scale on back = 2-part - see smaller pocket sibling |
In-Out | ?
MM-YYYY / MM-YYYY of the date added/left the collection or <YYYY if exact MM-YYYY no longer known
| <2010/ |