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Folding ivory pocket rule
Folding ivory pocket rule

Folding ivory pocket rule

Date1825 - 1934
Object number00014506
NameRule
MediumIvory, metal
DimensionsOverall: 305 mm, 0.05 kg
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mary Bayldon
DescriptionA folding ivory pocket rule manufactured by Edward Preston, Birmingham. Part of the Captain Francis Joseph Bayldon collection.HistoryThis Preston ivory pocket rule belonged to Captain Francis Jospeh Bayldon, a master mariner and hydrographer. Bayldon began his maritime career as a cadet at the age of 15 in 1887 aboard the clipper ship RODNEY of the Devitt and Moore line. In 1896 Bayldon left the clipper trade to join the Castle Line of steam ships. He remained with them only until 1897 when he left and joined the Canadian Australian line and later in 1901, the Burns Philip Line of steam ships out of Australia. From 1902 - 1910, as master of ships including the TAMBO and MORESBY, Bayldon carried out many hydrographical surveys which were then included into Admiralty charts and sailing directions. In addition to survey work, Bayldon also published a book and numerous articles on nautical matters including voyage accounts, meteorological observations and shipwrecks. He was a member of many different societies and committees and in 1910 he started a nautical school in Sydney. In addition to other honours, Bayldon was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1938. Captain Francis Bayldon died in 1948 and his ashes were scattered over the Bayldon Shoal in the Solomon Islands, which had been named after him.SignificanceThis pocket rule was part of the collection used by the master mariner Captain Francis Bayldon. Captain Bayldon was at sea most of his life and was involved in a number of hydrographic surveys which were later published by the Admiralty.