A rare early 17th century brass-handled and iron Ell rule, Flemish, dated 1601 With three engraved

calibrations on one side and four on the reverse, the handle cast as a figure with peaked hat pierced for suspension, 82.5cm long Provenance: With Michael Dunn, New York ,and Syd Levethan (The Longridge) & Christopher Bangs Collections.  An Ell is an historic measure of length, used mostly for measuring cloth.  The name is thought to be derived from the latin for arm 'ulnia' and was assumed to the average length of a person's arm. Unsurprising, Flemish, Danish, Scottish and English Ells are all of different sizes! - Stock Ref:9065-52