My Favorite Slide Rules
In many ways, this is very much like choosing a favorite kid. But I think if we are honest, we do have a favorite at any given time. And these slide rules are my favorites today, or at least until they've broken curfew too many times and get bumped down on my list. Ha!
What can make for a favorite slide rule could be some intrinsic quality of the slide rule itself. Or maybe it is historically significant. Or maybe there's a story that can be shared that's more personal? Regardless, here is my current list of deserving favorites...
What can make for a favorite slide rule could be some intrinsic quality of the slide rule itself. Or maybe it is historically significant. Or maybe there's a story that can be shared that's more personal? Regardless, here is my current list of deserving favorites...
General Purpose Slide RulesSIC 1610-D Circular Rule
A very powerful rule. Mine is a minty sample that glides in your hands. My Pickett 110-ES is pretty much the same rule, but the eye-saver yellow does little for me. The SIC, on the other hand, is pure elegance! Faber-Castell 2/83N Novo-Biplex A May 2006 article in Scientific American stated that this rule might be the most beautiful slide rule ever made. If not, it cannot be far from it! K&E 68-1608 (4053-5) 20" Polyphase Mannheim I bought this on eBay from a sweet girl, Amy, who said this was one of her late father's priced possessions. John, I'm happy to be the second owner! K&E Deci-Lon 5 (68-1300) Pocket Rule One of the best pocket rules ever made is the envy of many collectors. It was one of K&E's last, most durable and most powerful rules. It also has a futuristic look, which I find full of irony. K&E 4092-3 and N4092-5 Log Log Duplex I find the 4092 a joy to use, especially in the later variants that added the K-scale. It is beautifully constructed. It's extra-width and uncluttered arrangement of scales seems to strike the right aesthetic and feel. Post 1461 Pocket Versalog 1 & 2 Slide Rules The pocket version of the famous Versalog is delightful and powerful. Made of bamboo (like all Hemmi rules), both varieties are elegant and gorgeous. I have several of these rules. |
Specialty Slide RulesHemmi 266 Electronic
One of my hobbies is electronics, so I might be biased. But this is a valuable slide rule that's a goal for any collector. Made of easy-gliding bamboo in mint condition, complete with box and leather case, the 266 belongs with my favorite rules. Pickett Model 100 Douglas Sky Rule This small rule was originally designed by the Douglas Aircraft Company for its aeronautical engineers and pilots. It has everything they need for fast reference as it regarded their airplanes. Graphoplex 698 Electronic Rule Akin to the Hemmi, this all-plastic rule is quite lovely. Often mistaken as "Raphoplex" because of the logo, this French maker made some of the sharpest slide rules of all. Dietzgen 1770T Carpenter's Rule I stole this one off of eBay and it's quite rare. As a woodworker myself, this old wooden rule, in almost perfect condition, is beyond cool! K&E Celanese Celcon This is a rare K&E rule made only in 1968 and of a special "Celcon" resin. It's green. But it's a Doric pocket rule like the 9068 model, noticeably heavier, and it's really lovely. I didn't think I'd like it as much as I actually do! W&G Model 432 Dual-Face Comprehensive My only Australian slide rule, gifted to me by an Aussie slide rule enthusiast I met online. Thanks, Darren! It's duplex construction reminds me of a K&E, yet it sports a unique twist on some of the typical scales, in addition to some useful electrical scales. |
Rare or Awesome RulesK&E Deci-Lon 10 (68-1929) Demonstrator
6.5 feet long in spectacular condition...it hangs in my classroom in all of its awesomeness. It's very rare! Thatcher Calculator - K&E Model 4012 One of the most famous rules ever, and also one of my favorites. I have a nice sample from around 1911 which sits in my classroom. It's glorious, wonderfully designed and constructed. Curta Type-II Mechanical Calculator One of the most amazing devices ever created. Even if it isn't technically a slide rule, it deserves mention here. I got mine broken, disassembled it, and rebuilt it to a working, cranking, computing machine! Hemmi No. 410 Involute of Gear Wheels Rule When a rare slide rule pops up on eBay, you snag it fast. This was a steal. But the real story was the original owner who passed 20+ years ago. Packaged in an envelope full of space stamps and with a hand-written note from the owner's daughter...turning a rare slide rule into something extraordinarily special. Fuller's Calculator The cylindrical rule that was built for 100 years, I have both Model 1 and Model 2 versions. They are perfect display pieces, functional yet with great history. Pickett C19-T Radio Transmission Rule This is a valuable, rare rule; something I consider one of the pinnacles of a Pickett slide rule collector. Glad to have purchased this from a sweet, fellow school teacher. |
