A vintage Fullers Calculator cylindrical logarithmic slide rule, together with brass support stand and original fitted case. The serial number, 11374/54 dates it to around 1954. These ingenious instruments were the invention of George Fuller, Professor of Engineering at Queen's College, Belfast, and deployed a 500 inch (12.7m) helical scale that gave them a huge advantage over conventional slide rules. A slide rule was a predecessor to the modern calculator, the instruments using a system of sliding rulers and logarithmic scales to perform complex calculations of multiplication, division, exponents, roots and trigonometry. On the Fuller's Calculator, these sliding scales took the form of two papier maché cylinders with printed sleeves coated with a protective layer of Shellac, a Bakelite inner core, end cap and handles, and brass pointers. When in use, the rule would typically be mounted on its brass support, and at other times neatly stowed away in its wooden storage case.

This particular example came from the workshops of William Ford Stanley, one of the great London makers of scientific instruments, founded in 1854 and still in operation today.

44cm long, 56cm high when mounted on stand.

Condition: The instrument survives in excellent condition. The Bakelite components are superb, free from cracks and still retaining beautiful colour and shine. The two slide rules show minimal discolouration. The brass pointers are in excellent condition with minor losses to their original lacquer. The support stand is present, ideal for display purposes. The wooden case is very good, still protected by its original French Polish showing only minor scuffs and scratches. Both catches are present, as are the inner labels.

Overseas buyers are very welcome - please use the contact form to request a shipping quotation.