RABONE No. 1167 Folding Boxwood Rule, 36-Inch

 A vintage folding rule made in England by Rabone, one of Britain’s long-established makers of traditional measuring tools. The No. 1167 is one of Rabone’s classic folding rules, made from boxwood with brass fittings and designed to fold neatly into a compact form. This particular example is the larger 36-inch, or three-foot, version, extending to approximately 91cm when fully opened.

One of the most distinctive features of the No. 1167 is its large, bold numerals, designed to make the measurements particularly easy to read at a glance. Rules of this type are often referred to as a ‘Blindman’s Rule’, reflecting this unusually clear and generous scale.

Made as a practical working tool for tradesmen and craftsmen, it has a wonderful sense of purpose to it. The warm tones of the boxwood, together with the aged brass fittings and folding mechanism, give the piece a character that goes beyond its original function. Today, it works just as beautifully as a small piece of industrial history on a desk, shelf or within a collection of vintage tools.

The rule is clearly marked ‘RABONE’, ‘MADE IN ENGLAND’ and ‘No. 1167’, preserving the identity of both its maker and model. The 36-inch version is less commonly encountered than the more usual 24-inch size, making this larger example particularly appealing to collectors of traditional British tools. Once a practical object carried into workshops and working spaces, it now has an entirely different presence — a beautifully made reminder of a time when even everyday tools were made with care and a quiet sense of permanence.

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𓉞 T.C.C Notes

As with all vintage wooden objects, this piece has developed its own warmth, colour, texture and character through decades of age and use. The boxwood has naturally deepened in tone over time, with small surface marks and variations visible throughout, while the brass fittings have developed a soft, natural patina.

The folding mechanism remains fully functional, with the joints and fittings in sound overall condition. The original numerals and graduations are also still clear and legible, allowing the rule to be used as intended. These subtle marks are not considered imperfections, but rather traces of its life as a working tool, adding to the character and history of the piece.

The ruler has received an initial wood polishing treatment, while its naturally developed texture, colour and signs of use have been carefully preserved rather than overly polished away. To help maintain the condition and beautiful texture of the wood, we recommend occasional oil polishing.

Please avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and excessive moisture. Given its age, the piece naturally shows signs of wear and handling accumulated over many decades. Please refer to the detailed photographs for a closer view of its condition and individual marks.

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Measurement
Approx. 36 inches / 91cm fully extended
Approx. 23cm folded

Maker
RABONE

Model
No. 1167

Material
Boxwood & Brass

Origin
England

Scale
Imperial / Inches

Period
c. 1950s–1960s

Also known as
Blindman’s Rule 

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