Antique American Sterling Silver Hem Gauge

Wm B. Kerr & Co. * Circa 1890s

This silver gauge is for measuring hems and is solid sterling silver (tested). "Pat Apld For" is stamped on the back of the sliding guide. The patent was later awarded to Wm. B Kerr & Co. of Newark NJ in 1894. The ruler is also sterling (tested). It's different than many you see as it doesn't have a snap down clip to secure the marker. Instead the sliding guide clicks onto the holes beside each ruler line to hold it in place. I'm sure that's what the patent was for. 

The top has a gorgeous chased scrolling design on both sides and a matching design is on the slide. The ruler is embossed on one side from 1-3 inches. The silver is in excellent condition with no dents or damage and the ruler and slide work perfectly. It measures 4 3/8" long and the top of the ruler has an engraved script initial (B). A hem gauge with this patent mark and an angel at the top is shown on p. 220 of Gay Ann Rogers' book The Illustrated History of Needlework Tools.

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