Fan-type pocket reduction-scale ruler, Faber-Castell 20/83

Name/Title

Fan-type pocket reduction-scale ruler, Faber-Castell 20/83

Entry/Object ID

2025.16.4

Description

A folding "fan" scale rule: five flat steel scale blades riveted at one end into a green leather case/holder, fanning open like blades of a pocketknife. Each blade is printed in black on a light (white/silvered) ground with paired reduction scales and fine graduations; visible ratios across the blades include 1:20, 1:25, 1:30, 1:33⅓, 1:50, 1:100, 1:110, 1:115, 1:125, 1:130, 1:140, 1:150, and 1:175. The uppermost blade is marked "Faber-Castell 20-83 W.Germany." Closed, the blades nest within the green leather sheath, which has a thumb-notch and a riveted pivot at the head.

Collection

Evelyn Sosa collection

Acquisition

Accession

2025.16

Source or Donor

Evelyn Sosa

Acquisition Method

Gift

Made/Created

Manufacturer

A.W. Faber-Castell

Place

Country

F.R.G.

Region

Central Europe

Continent

Europe

Edition

Model 20/83

Notes

Date: West German era — manufactured 1949–1990 per the "W. Germany" mark (pre-reunification). Circa 1960s–1980s (tentative). Place of Origin: West Germany (Faber-Castell); imported to and used in Cuba.

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Notes

"Faber-Castell 20-83 W.Germany" on a blade; printed reduction-scale ratios and graduations on each blade (range 1:20 to 1:175).

Materials

Material Notes

Materials: Coated/printed steel scale blades; green leather (or leatherette) case; metal pivot rivet. Technique: Precision-printed/engraved steel scales; stitched leather case; riveted fan pivot allowing the blades to swing out individually.

Condition

Overall Condition

Good

Relationships

Related Places

Place

Country

F.R.G.

Region

Central Europe

Continent

Europe

Notes

production

Place

City

Havana

Country

Cuba

Region

Caribbean, Central America

Notes

use

Created By

María A. Cabrera Arús

Create Date

October 20, 2025

Updated By

María A. Cabrera Arús

Update Date

June 14, 2026