SueZQ from MN

Up front, I will admit that I love gadgets, sewing notions, and all types of rulers and templates. They are my biggest temptatiion when I shop or browse, even more than fabric!! Today I decided that it was time to organize my collection of rulers and templates so things are easier to find when I need them. My reward for doing that thankless task was finding an antique sewing ruler that I didn't remember owning. It is a "Picken Dressmaker's Gauge" dated 1915 and is in great condition for its age. My rulers and templates are now organized and I have a wonderful addition to my vintage notion memory box. Win, win.

cashs_mom

That's awesome! I just love old sewing stuff. Notions, machines, signs, attachments. I love them all and yours is so nice!

Onebyone

I love your antique ruler. It is certainly a nice one. I love quilting tools and gadgets too. I will buy any new one especially a new ruler. It may be an addiction but it's a safe one and I have never known anyone to miss a meal after buying new gadget or ruler.

SusieQOH

That's such a great find!
Yes, win win for you.

my-ty

Interesting ruler but I have some questions... Any ideas what the top numbers might be used for? I cannot see a relationship between those and the inch values. Also why the curves on top and the notches at the bottom? The cut-outs in the ruler are also interesting. Looking for any guesses or comments.

OurWorkbench

Since you have to draw one scallop at a time, so I would think the numbers are at the top so that you don't draw a 2 and then a 3 and then a 2, etc.
The measurements and notches would be for marking pleats, tucks and buttonholes. Here is a picture of the instructions for a more modern one https://www.gildebrief.de/contents/media/l_img_6927.jpg

I also found this page using the Picken Dressmaker's Gauge for Preparing the Casing and the Facing for the Opening and Marking the Hooks and Eyes on this page http://haabet.dk/TightLinings_andBoning/26.html

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)

b.zang

Now that Janey's researched the ruler and given us links to its use, I only need to admit my inability to figure out how it would be used. Very interesting ruler! I'm like you, I love rulers and have quite a collection with noble intentions to one day use each and every one.
I have a ruler for setting border blocks on point and wow, when I used it the border was exactly the right size! Geez, I LOVE rulers when they work!!
I'd be interested to see something you've used that ruler for.

my-ty

Janey, thanks for answering my questions! Makes perfect sense (although I cannot image ever making scallops but maybe that's what brought in the big money for dressmakers)