 |
| Made By Shaker Hands |
During one of my visits she opened a desk and took out a simple piece of wood. It appeared to be a ruler, but it had no visible markings at all. It was made from a wonderful piece of highly figured birdseye maple with a shellac finish.
She said to me, "I want to give you a gift. This is something I picked up from the Shakers at Hancock many years ago. It has always made me wonder what it was used for. It must have a purpose, but I cannot figure it out. Maybe you can."
As she handed it to me I immediately knew what it was designed to do. I pointed out to her its specific features which proved my conclusion.
As I thanked her for her kindness, she said, "I knew you would know what to do with it."
 |
| End View Showing Profile |
If this object was recorded into a museum collection, the Registrar would note:
Solid wood rule, 14 1/4" long 1 1/8" wide 1/4" thick, birdseye maple, shellac finish. Parallel sides in length, tapered profile on end from 1/4" to 1/8". No visible markings on any surface. Each end has 5 small notches at regular intervals on each face. Origin: Hancock Shaker Village. Function: unknown.
 |
| 5 Spaced Notches on Each End |
Can you identify its function and finish this entry? Send Your Comments.
PS: The first comment I just received is correct. However, I will wait a bit to post other comments to see what the response is...
The Next Day.
After several comments in the past 24 hours I am now posting the solution. This is a very practical rule for making music staff quickly. Using a pencil to draw along both sides of the length provides a register. Marking the notches on each end with ink leaves dots for drawing the staff lines, in ink. Then the rule is moved down to the next pencil line and the work is continued. After all the ink lines are drawn the pencil lines are removed, leaving a neat space between each staff line. Finally the rule is used for marking the measures vertically, as necessary.
Thought you would like this. If you are a composer, make one for yourself. Manual Music Rules!
 |
| Use Pencil first then Ink |
 |
| Remove Pencil and add Notes and Music |
For creating evenly spaced lines for writing down music.
ReplyDeleteThe following is not acutally knowing but a guess (I'd love to call it deduction though):
ReplyDeleteSince it's obviously a wooden rule, it looks to me as if the tapered edge makes it easier to use it with a fine pencil or a marking knife to make highly precise lines.
Also, the taper seems to be suitable for using it as a layout tool for known and often used angles, 1:6, 1:7 and 1:8, maybe for dovetail joints?
is it a "correction device". a good swat on the hand or rump to give a child direction?
ReplyDeleteJoe M
Creating lines on paper. Initially was thinking stationary. Now leaning towards bars for music. Draw the notches on each side then move ruler down a bit to connect the lines. I'm guessing rather than knowing.
ReplyDeleteI would guess a rule to guide a pencil or a quill to trace lines on paper. The notches might help to trace regularly spaced lines.
ReplyDeleteSylvain
Is it a rule for drawing musical bars?
ReplyDeletea tool for marking legs for leveling?
ReplyDeleteMaybe a winding stick?!
ReplyDelete