They don't make them like that anymore.  Nice save!! 

@p_toad,

Nice save, I had to look at your location. I used to get some Delta stuff from a guy that went by the handle "Dumpster Diver".

i haven't  really tried to clean them up yet.   no visible marking on the divider or the small file, although some may show up later.   The rule is nice and heavy; good quality.

Nice score!

Lufkin used to make wonderful wooden folding rulers.  My grandpa had one in 1952 that was old and the tips broken.  But, it was a quality ruler.  That steel ruler you have I used to use during my apprentice years in Graphic Arts.  It is real quality and the measurements are right on.  When I left Graphic Arts, I had to return the ruler and I have looked for one for years.  I think a nice brass brush will clean up the file and the dividers.  Wonderful find.  

NIce . I have two pair dividers just like those. Now you need a thumb screw or maybe a knurled knob to replace that screw.

Nice!  A little steel wool and some vinegar will bring the rule and dividers back to life in a hurry.  They are in nice shape.

7 hours ago, HandyDan said:

Nice!  A little steel wool and some vinegar will bring the rule and dividers back to life in a hurry.  They are in nice shape.

 

Nice finds Pete.  I need to take a pic or two to follow this post up.

 

Dan, while cleaning out my tool boxes recently I came across a 6" Starrett.  It had some rust in it so I put it in vinegar with a couple other pieces.  It came out black.  I washed it off but it is still very dark.  Do you think the steel wool will be ok at this point?  I don't want to do worse to it.  Thanks.

1 hour ago, Cal said:

Do you think the steel wool will be ok at this point?

 

I never soak .  I wet them down and lightly steel wool them.  I get more aggressive if needed.  

I believe the steel wool will work fine.  Wet a spot with vinegar, rub with fine steel wool and wipe off right away.  When done, wash off with soap and water to neutralize. 

@Cal, found some pictures. 

 

 

 

 

Wet down with vinegar for a few minutes

 

 

Steel wool while wet and dry off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 18, 20215 yr by HandyDan

That looks great @HandyDan.  I shall give it a try and report back!  I am guessing that this will do away with the color in the markings.  Any thoughts on this?

Edited January 18, 20215 yr by Cal

7 minutes ago, Cal said:

That looks great @HandyDan.  I shall give it a try and report back!  I am guessing that this will do away with the color in the markings.  Any thoughts on this?

 

 

20 hours ago, Gerald said:

NIce . I have two pair dividers just like those. Now you need a thumb screw or maybe a knurled knob to replace that screw.

As you can see from this more detailed picture, the screw and knurled knob are both present (another surprise).

I've seen them with two knurled knobs and with a thumb screw but the screw is a replacement.

 

     

Dan beat me to it. That silver screw is a stop gap and will make it slower to use . The thumb screw is what I have always seen in that position. Should not be too hard to find.

Thanks @HandyDan!  The video was hard to hear (for me), but the video portion was great.  Supposed to rain later in the week, that will be when I tackle it.