Description
Rabone Chesterman Combination Rule & Square
Quality British measuring tool from Rabone Chesterman | Combination square, depth gauge and spirit level in one versatile workshop instrument
This Rabone Chesterman Combination Rule is a practical and well-made British measuring tool designed for layout, marking, depth measurement and squareness checking. Combining a graduated steel rule with a cast square head incorporating a spirit level vial, it offers many of the functions that made combination squares indispensable in woodworking, engineering and metalworking workshops.
The square head is boldly marked “Rabone Chesterman”, one of Britain’s best-known names in measuring tools. Following the merger of John Rabone & Sons and Chesterman in the twentieth century, the company continued a long tradition of producing high-quality rules, tapes and precision measuring equipment for tradesmen throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.
The heavy cast head incorporates a spirit level vial together with a locking mechanism that allows the rule to be positioned for use as a square, marking guide or depth gauge. The rule carries both imperial and metric graduations, making the tool equally useful in modern and traditional workshops.
Many examples that have lost their level vial or suffer from damaged locking mechanisms, and this is no exception with what we suspect is a replacement vial which explains why it doesn’t read level when it is. Vial will need resetting for accuracy. In this condition it represents a user quality tool that needs a little attention.
Key Features:
- Graduated steel metric and imperial original rule.
- Suitable for use as a square, depth gauge and marking guide.
- Heavy cast-iron head with likely repainted finish.
- Locking mechanism secures the rule in position.
- Useful addition to woodworking, engineering and metalworking workshops.
Condition
Reasonable condition overall. The spirit level vial appears to have been poorly replaced resulting in inaccurate level readings. The rule, head and locking mechanism appear complete and serviceable. Some wear, paint loss, handling marks and historic rust pitting are present. Overall, this is not the best example of one of our favourite combination rules (due to the weight) well suited to a potential user on a budget with the skills to reset the vial. As always, buyers should refer to the photographs for the best assessment of condition and completeness.