c. 1816 Ivory and German Silver Ironmongers Rule Made by Sampson Aston Maker in Birmingham for Thomas Walmsley of Bolton

I found this little treasure in an antique shop in Appalachia Florida about ten years ago. It was in a  glass case that was so cluttered it could not be seen, except for a part that was peeking out. I could see a disc which I thought was coin and asked the fellow to dig it out. As I always did I asked if he knew anything about. All he knew was that it was an old ruler and he seemed disinterested in the potential sale. It turned out to be made of ivory which had mellowed into that rich butter color patina and the hinges were all made of German silver. It has been one of my favorite treasures found.
This is a 2" wide 24 inch long, four fold ironmongers ivory rule made by Sampson Aston Maker, Birmingham for Thomas Walhsley of Bolton, c. 1816. It has a German silver slide and fittings with a protractor ached joint . On one side is your regular rule and on inside numerous tables. On one side are coppers and with measure for: top, bottom , deeply to brim, gall, weight. On the other end it has measure for : flat per inch, 6's and 8's.  A section for iron foot by: lb, Oz, Qr (quarter).  There is a measure for square and round iron per inch, 8's, lb.  Just a very detailed rule with measurement on every side of ivory rule.

Thomas Walhsley was a famous ironmonger out of Birmingham, England.  I will revise this in the future with information on him. There are still buildings and equipment still in existence that belong to him in Birmingham. There is a lot of information on Sampson Aston the maker of this ivory rule
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1829 Porcelain German Biedermeir Pipe Student Association Corps Bavaria Biedermeir Porcelain Bowls With Coat of Arms of Corps Bavaria, German Student Dueling Association Stein, Medival Knights Guard The Zirkel of The Corps Bavaria of Munich

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The main centers of porcelain pipe manufacturing were found in both Germany and Austria. The early pipes were hand painted as this is, while the latter half of the 19th century saw their decoration by transfer printing. This pipe is early 19th century with the Zirkel of the Corps Bavaria of Munich. It is rare to find these dated, but more scarce is all the members of the Association.

There were hundreds of these dueling association in Germany, Austria and Poland. When they dueled they did not hold back for these young men were very idealistic and daring. It is just a exquisite hand painted scene, even the students names on the back. Some of the names have a iron cross next to them (approx. 8) which I believe meant they had died in some battle.

Hopefully there is someone knowledgeable of this organization that could comment.

Here are some images for your enjoyment.

All these names are hand painted, had to be a master painter, for even the fur on the tent that is on the front actually looks real.

This lion is hand painted, the image does it no justice

Everything on this is original, even the little acorn looking item with original string

Below is a list of the student association members. The names with a little plus sign next to it have a iron cross on the pipe painted next to their name, just stunning workmanship

Below shows the cover on the pipe, it is German silver, not pewter..........

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