{"product_id":"w-f-stanley-ebony-parallel-rule-c-1880-1910-antique-english-nautical-instrument","title":"W. F. Stanley Ebony Parallel Rule c. 1880–1910 | Antique English Nautical Instrument","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor the historian …  an English parallel rule in ebony and brass by W. F. Stanley, circa 1880-1910, beautifully preserved with its original shaped brass links and hand-engraved half-inch graduations. At a compact nine inches, it’s the sort of instrument a Victorian naval officer or navigator would have carried in a writing box or kept on the chart table, and would make a handsome display piece on a gentleman’s desk or library shelf.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnrelated to the American Stanley company, W. F. Stanley was founded in 1854 and became one of Britain’s leading makers of mathematical, drafting, and nautical instruments. By the late Victorian period the firm supplied parallel rules, compasses, survey instruments, and optical devices to naval officers, engineers, and technical colleges across the country. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a nautical setting, a rule like this served as an essential instrument, used by navigators to transfer bearings, maintain parallel courses, and relate plotted lines to the compass rose on Admiralty charts. Before rolling plotters and drafting machines, parallel rules were the standard tool for everyday navigation—helping officers track a ship’s progress, adjust for drift, and keep an accurate record of the vessel’s movement at sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 9” x 1-5\/8” x 1\/8”\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 2.2 oz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition notes: Excellent antique condition overall with ebony blades straight, smooth, and evenly toned, showing only light surface marks from age and handling. Original shaped brass links retain an even, unpolished patina with no corrosion, cracks, or replaced screws. (Note: we have purposely not polished brass in order to preserve original patina.)  Hand-engraved half-inch graduations along the edge. Maker’s stamp on face reads “TRADE STANLEY MARK LONDON”.  Hinges open and close smoothly with secure, original hardware. No warping, chips, or structural damage noted. Other items in photos not included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll items are hand-wrapped and packed with care for secure delivery.  We offer flat rate shipping via USPS Ground Advantage for $10, or USPS Priority Mail for $15. Orders over $100 (not including taxes) ship free via USPS Priority Mail — any shipping charges for orders over $100 will be refunded after checkout. We pack using recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSorry, no returns or cancellations.  Please view all photos for more detail and feel free to contact the shop with any questions prior to purchase.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pickess \u0026 Parr","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42203797749847,"sku":null,"price":129.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0598\/9302\/2807\/files\/PSX_20251202_090335.jpg?v=1764696416","url":"https:\/\/www.pickessandparr.com\/products\/w-f-stanley-ebony-parallel-rule-c-1880-1910-antique-english-nautical-instrument","provider":"Pickess \u0026 Parr | Vintage Objects for Gentlemen","version":"1.0","type":"link"}