Skip to main content

Link to Smithsonian homepage

Smithsonian Music

Main menu

  • Calendar
  • Listen
  • Learn
    • Ask Smithsonian
    • Collections Spotlights
    • Music Stories
  • Watch
  • Blog

Pickett N500-ES Log Log Duplex Slide Rule

Object Details

Description
This duplex aluminum linear slide rule is coated in yellow ("eye saver") plastic and is held together with stamped aluminum contoured posts. The nylon cursor has a convex lens. The front of the base has +LL1, -LL1, A, D, DI, and K scales, with B, T, ST, S, and C scales on the front of the slide. The left end of the slide is marked: MODEL (/) N-500-ES (/) HI LOG/LOG. The right end of the slide has the Pickett logo used between 1964 and 1975 ("PickETT" with a triangle dotting the i) and MADE IN U.S.A.
The back of the base has +LL2, -LL2, DF, D, +LL3, and -LL3 scales, with CF, CIF, L, CI, and C scales on the back of the slide. Both ends of the slide are marked with the Pickett logo, with ALL METAL (/) SLIDE RULES on the left end and ©1962 on the right end.
There is a black leather case lined with black plastic and marked below the slot for the flap with the Pickett logo in gold. The case has no belt loop. The case fits into a white, green, and black cardboard box. Compare to the box collected with 1995.0126.02. The bottom of this box has a flap marked: PickETT (/) WORLD'S MOST ACCURATE (/) SLIDE RULES. A blue and white sticker on the flap describes the slide rule's features: N500 (/) HI-LOG SPEED RULE (/) THE SUPERIOR TRIG/LOG LOG RULE FOR ESSEN- (/) TIAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL NEEDS (/) All Metal construction for highest accuracy and lifetime (/) performance (/) 22 Key Scales with a comprehensive 60-inch log range (/) With Carrying Case and complete instruction manual (/) Lifetime Guarantee.
The guarantee, with a registration card, is in the bottom of the box, along with the plastic bag that originally contained the slide rule inside the case. The registration card indicates that this example's serial number is A103202 and that the company's headquarters were in Santa Barbara, Calif. The company moved to Santa Barbara in 1964. Along with the logo, this suggests the slide rule was made in the mid-to-late 1960s. Students typically purchased this model in college and continued to use it in their careers.
Reference: International Slide Rule Museum, "Pickett," http://sliderulemuseum.com/Pickett.htm.
Location
Currently not on view
Data Source
National Museum of American History
maker
Pickett Industries
date made
after 1964
Credit Line
Gift of Thomas A. Bair II
Physical Description
aluminum (overall material)
leather (case material)
paper (case material)
plastic (cursor material)
Measurements
overall: 3.5 cm x 9 cm x 34 cm; 1 3/8 in x 3 17/32 in x 13 3/8 in
Object Name
calculating rule
slide rule

Featured In

  • Slide Rules:Index by Makers & Retailers
  • Slide Rules:Index by Material
  • Slide Rules:Index by Purpose
  • Slide Rules:Linear Slide Rules
Slide Rule - PICKETT MODEL N500-ES
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Link to Smithsonian homepage

  • About
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
Back to Top