Offering this very rare, patented, antique 6' folding steel rule, marked "PAT.MAR.14.1911 NO.451 THE L.S.STARRETT CO. ATHOL MASS. TEMPERED" on one side. The folding or zig zag type rule was only made for about 15 years by Starrett, and was about double the cost of the same 6' long Lufkin No. 1176 in the early 1920's. It is very rare, and in very good condition. We have never had one to sell in this size in over 10 years of sales on-line.
I believe that Starrett's design was more costly to manufacture than the Lufkin 1170 series rules, and Lufkin was the prime manufacture of this type of steel rule as a result. Again, I doubt this Starrett rule was ever used, no sign of scratches or damage at all. In fact it seemed to have some rust ban type light grease on it when I got it. I removed it with light oil, as it is difficult to see through it to see the actually surface finish on the steel when present. As you might be able to see in the pictures the steel is thicker than on the Lufkin rules, making the Starrett heavier. The Starrett is .045" thick, where the Lufkin is only .030" thick stock. The width on the Starrett is .75, compared to the Lufkin at .70" wide.
In comparing the joint design, the Starrett is not as stiff when moving (folding/unfolding) from one position to another, as it is design with a spring type clip unit that allows it to release from the lock position easier than the Lufkin, yet stays in locked position very well. A nice design in my opinion, very well made. It does have inch 8th grads. on one side, 16ths on the other side. Condition is about 98% like new, no damage, no sign of use, about 90% is original bright steel finish, some minor staining on the other 10%, only one small area of minor pitting near the No. 451 mark. I am amazed that the condition of this rule! Figuring it is about 90 years old, someone must have kept it in a very dry storage area over the years. A rare opportunity!