Description

LARGE ELEGANT PARALLEL RULE, English, c. 1800, hand-engraved on the reverse “J. Watkins, Charing Crofs, London.” This all brass rule is 12″ (30 cm) wide, constructed with a massive scissor hinge elegantly shaped and pierced, designed with opposing slots which provide an offsetting parallel motion as the rule is opened. There are two small knobs for grasping, and both outer edges are beveled for precision in course marking and chart reading. Condition is good noting some stains and darkening, and minor nicks.

This is a fine example of an important tool of the early navigator. Jeremiah Watkins was a successor to the well-known Francis Watkins, and is recorded as working under his own name 1798 – 1810. He in turn was followed by Watkins & Hill, who were succeeded in the mid-19th century by Elliott Brothers, and then by English Electric in 1966. Jeremiah was thus an important early link in the two-century history of this succession of quality, innovative instrument manufacturies.