Original Civil War Parallel Ruler (SOLD)

This is another unique piece being offered, it is a Civil War Parallel Ruler. It is made of ebony with brass hinges and measures 6” x 1 5/8” in the closed position. During the Civil War, Parallel rulers were used by surveyors, cartographers, and navigators to draw accurate parallel lines.

Two straightedges are hinged so that they maintain the same angle. By alternating the moving edge, and securely holding down the nonmoving edge, you can move the rulers about the map or chart while still maintaining the same angle.

In “Fighting Men of the Civil War”, there is one of these rulers shown, that being a larger one would have been used on a ship (see pictures). There is also one in the Museum of the Confederacy (see pictures). This one being a smaller size was more adapt for use in the field – they are also rarer than the larger examples. There are no markings, and it is in excellent condition.