Description

MILLARD’S FACE MEASURE, American, c. 1920, bearing 1903 and 1918 patent dates. Made of plated brass, 6-3/4″ (17 cm) long, this is a combination linear rule, caliper and angle measure. Invented by Samuel B. Millard of New Orleans, Louisiana, its serves to measure interpupilary distance, as well as the width of the bridge of the nose, the distance between the back of the ear (or the bridge of the nose) and the eyelashes, the length of the temple, the height of the nose above the corner of eye, and the “crest angle” of the nose bridge. According to Millard, when opticians are fitting glasses, facial measurements “are frequently taken in a haphazard way,” but with his invention they “may be taken with absolute accuracy.” An uncommon anthropometric device, in very fine condition, complete with photocopies of the patents.