Collection of pages from K&E catalogs for the 4054 family
Description:
The 4054 family of slide rules is of the Mannheim type. The 4054s were constructed on a mahogany frame with celluloid laminated to the surface. The markings are engine divided.
The 4054 had two distinctly different issues. The rule as seen from 1899 to 1925 was a subset of the 4041. It had a cheaper metal formed cursor with glass. The inch and centimeter scales on the edges were removed.
The scale set:
A = B C = D
= S L T =
The rule as seen from 1944 to 1952 was a subset of the 4053. It had the standard metal rimmed cursor. The inch and centimeter scales on the edges were removed.
The scale set:
A = B CI C = D K
= S L T =
History:
The following is a brief history of the 4054 family of slide rules as is told in the K&E catalogs that are available at this time. Exact timing is not possible because of the time between catalogs.
First Issue of the 4054: The 4054 Favorite Slide Rule: The 4054 was first introduced as the 1748-3 in 1899 and was called "Favorite" until 1925.
Catalog page from the 1903 K&E catalog
- 1899 -- The slide rule was first introduced as model number 1748-3.
- 1901 -- The model number was converted from 1748-3 to 4054.
- 1925 -- The first version of the 4054 was last shown in 1925.
Links to catalog pages for the first issue of the 4054 family of slide rules:
Second Issue of the 4054: The 4054 Polyphase Slide Rule: The 4054 model number was reused but was named "Polyphase". It has the scale set of a 4053-3 without the inch and centimeter scales on the edges. A new stamped frame cursor is also used.
Catalog page from the 1944 K&E catalog
- 1944a - The second version of the 4054 was introduced.
- 1952 -- The 1952 price list mentions the 4054 but shows "temp disc." instead of a price.
- 1954 -- The 4054 was not shown after 1952.
Links to catalog pages for second issue of the 4054 family of slide rules:
Scans: Scans of 4054 Family of Slide Rules