Description
Rabone No.1190 3ft Boxwood Folding Rule with Spirit Level
Quality British measuring tool with integrated level | Original Rabone No.1190 folding rule in attractive, usable condition
The Rabone No.1190 is a desirable variation of the traditional carpenter’s folding rule, combining a full 3-foot boxwood rule with an integrated spirit level. Manufactured by the renowned Birmingham maker John Rabone & Sons, this clever design provided tradesmen with both a measuring rule and levelling tool in a single compact instrument.
Marked “Rabone No.1190”, “Made in England” and “Boxwood”, this example retains the distinctive level vial housed within a recessed brass-framed window. The rule folds neatly into a pocket-sized format while extending to a full 3 feet when opened, making it equally suited to workshop, building site and joinery work.
Throughout the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Rabone established a reputation as one of Britain’s premier manufacturers of measuring tools. Their folding rules were widely used by carpenters, cabinetmakers, engineers and builders throughout Britain and the Commonwealth, and many remain sought after for both their practicality and quality of manufacture.
The attractive boxwood body retains strong colour and clear graduations, while the brass fittings and level assembly provide excellent visual appeal. Unlike many surviving examples, the spirit level vial remains intact and functional, preserving one of the No.1190’s most useful original features.
Whether purchased for workshop use, display in a traditional tool collection, or as part of a specialist Rabone collection, the No.1190 remains one of the more interesting folding rules produced by this respected British maker.
Key Features:
- Integrated spirit level vial.
- Brass-framed level window.
- Brass hinge joints and brass end fittings.
- Clear, easy-to-read graduations.
- Useful for measuring, marking and basic levelling tasks.
- Desirable collector’s piece from a respected British measuring tool maker.
Condition
Very good vintage condition overall. The spirit level vial remains present and functional, while the graduations are crisp and easily readable throughout. The brass fittings are complete and display an attractive age-related patina. The rule folds correctly and remains straight and presentable. Hinges are tight, free moving without any slop. It would benefit from a gentle clean – we have not touched it. There is a very slight sprung gap of approximately 1mm at the end furthest from the hinge when folded, caused by normal timber movement over time. This is a minor condition issue and has little impact on either functionality or display appeal. General workshop wear and light signs of age are present, but this is in remarkable and collectable condition. Please refer to the photographs for the best assessment of condition and completeness.