| Slide rules have come in different formats over the years. The most familiar is probably the 3-part model with a fixed outer frame and a sliding inner rod, and a sliding clear window with a reticle line etched into it for aligning numbers (the cursor). While far from being any type of "collection," I do have a couple nicely preserved models. The ones from Keufel & Esser (K&E) are at the top of the table below. The Beginner's slide rule model is very basic with graduations on one side and some conversions on the other. The best of all is the Pickett N600 ES Log Log that is in new condition and actually still has the box, leather case, instructions and certificate. The Pickett N600 ES is the slide rule model that went to the moon with the Apollo astronauts (not the one I own, of course).
Finally, a few of the cardboard calculator I have are at the bottom. Probably only the VSWR Calculator from M/A-COM can be considered collectible. My good friend Patrick Fitzgerald bestowed it upon me when I went to work for him at General Electric right out of college. I can recall some of the older engineers still using slide rules there when I arrived in the 1980s. In fact, the first algebra textbook I had in a community college right out of high school in 1976 had a section in it on how to use a slide rule. The Sterling 684 plastic slide rule that I bought at the bookstore is show below. Shortly thereafter, the HP-35 hit the market and the world changed forever (now that was truly a disruptive technology).
Here is the definitive source: International Slide Rule Museum Slide Rule Library Archive of books, manuals, instructions and ephemera Instructions on how to use a slide rule Or, try the Slide Rule Guy
Visit the Oughtred Society (William Oughtred - inventor of the slide rule in 1622) Buy new-in-the-box, mint condition slide rules Here is a website on vintage instruments (slide rules and other instruments of math, drafting, science, and music) |
  Smith Chart Side
  Slide Rule Side
FXR (now Microlab/FXR) Combination Smith Chart Calculator and Slide Rule (thanks to Gary Steinhour for the donation) | 


Pickett N600 ES Log-Log Slide Rule (this is the same model that went to the moon w/the Apollo astronauts) | 
K&E Model N4080-3 Log Log Duplex Trig S/N 467192, Copyright 1947 Slide Rule (wooden frame & bar w/metal ends) | 
K&E Model 4081-3 Slide Rule S/N 087105 (wooden frame & bar w/metal ends) | 
Sterling 684 White Plastic Slide Rule (I bought this for my first algebra class in 1976) | 
M/A-COM VSWR Calculator (copyright 1983)
 (flip side w/ratio-to-dB converters) |  Lawrence Slide Rule Instruction Book (copyright 1952)
|  Cleveland Institute of Electronics Slide Rule Product Feature January 1965 Popular Science
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Skala Wilcza 32 Wooden Slide Rule (Poland) Thanks to Alan Kealey for the donation!
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Pickett N1010-T Slide Rule (found in my father-in-law's basement) | 


Cleveland Institute 515-T Slide Rule (made by Pickett) Send me an e-mail if you want a PDF file of a partial (10 pages) copy of the instruction manual. | 

K&E Beginner's Slide Rule Model 4058C (all-wood frame & bar) | 
 GE Mobile Radio Range and Transmitter Power Calculator (copyright 1977) Thanks to Alan Kealey for the donation!
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Andrew Microwave Antenna System Computer (copyright 1994)
 (flip side w/coaxial transmission line selector) | 
Sage Wireline/Wirepac Calculator (copyright 1992)
 (flip side w/mechanical dimensions drawings) |
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