For just $135.00 Exquisite inlaid carved bone and German silver or nickel (white metal) 12 inch folding architectural drawing ruler. All notches and measuring points are intricately hand carved out white bone. All of the bone surfaces have tell tale signs of carful use and care, showing perfect patina for a piece that is roughly 240 years old. This piece is a truly special and exquisite item. Not only is this a rare treat for the eye; it’s also 100 percent sturdy & functional. While it shows very little faults or issues from 200 plus years of being in pockets, satchels & desk drawers. All markings and measurements are hand carved with precision which must have taken a fair portion of time. The folds are held together with hand wrought hinging made of brown metal that is likely brass. Both sides of this ruler unfold to show a total length of 1 foot or 12 inches. The outward facing side of the ruler is warn just right and as one would assume is appropriate for a piece of this age. The wearing effects are not rough or unsightly and they clearly add to the appeal of the piece. The name E.G.CHAPIN & a hand carved inscription of No.8 are easily still visible on the front facing edge when the ruler is folded fully. Measuring 3 & 1/4 inches in length when fully folded and roughly 1/2 inch in width this piece must have been cared for dearly to be found in the condition we find it in presently. This pieces fully folded size makes this a easy item to store or display and the fact that it is still today as functional and important as it was when it was used regularly adds a premium. There is a small section of metal measuring roughly a quarter of an inch (see photos) that was removed at some point in this examples long life but this does not detract or hurt the piece at all and allows the beholder to view the bone grain, plain and thickness. We would consider this character rather then any type of fault in the piece but we invite you to be the judge. Please feel free ...