This slide rule design dates back to about 1814 or so by Lenoir who was the first slide-rule maker to employ a slide rule dividing engine, circa 1820 or so.  Collector Bob Otnes has in his possession an early, predividing engine example of a Lenoir from 1820 or so that is very similar to this rule, noting that it a pre runner design. [^Robert Otnes, Private Communication, 9 Oct 2012^]

This slide rule design dates back to about 1814 or so by Lenoir who was the first slide-rule maker to employ a slide rule dividing engine, circa 1820 or so.  Collector Bob Otnes has in his possession an early, predividing engine example of a Lenoir from 1820 or so that is very similar to this rule, noting that it a pre runner design. [^Bob Otnes, Private Communication, 9 Oct 2012^]

The cursor of this slide rule is inscribed "Presented to A. Norris.  W H Allen Son & Co. 1898.".  W. H. Allen & Co. of Queen's Engineering Works, Bedford, was established in 1893 in the area west of the Midland Railway main line designated for industrial development. It became a major engineering works and in 1909 Allens received orders from the White Star Line for eight steam generating sets for the Olympic and the Titanic.[^W H Allen Engineering Association, "The Company: Early days in Bedford 1893-1914", [[http://www.whallenengasn.org.uk/whaeaweb2011_005.htm]], viewed 2 Nov 2012^]  Whether A. Norris was an employee of the company or an important client is not yet known.

The cursor of this slide rule is inscribed "Presented to A. Norris.  W H Allen Son & Co. 1898.".  W. H. Allen & Co. of Queen's Engineering Works, Bedford, was established in 1893 in the area west of the Midland Railway main line designated for industrial development. It became a major engineering works and in 1909 Allens received orders from the White Star Line for eight steam generating sets for the Olympic and the Titanic.[^W H Allen Engineering Association, "The Company: Early days in Bedford 1893-1914, [[http://www.whallenengasn.org.uk/whaeaweb2011_005.htm]], viewed 2 Nov 2012^]  Whether A. Norris was an employee of the company or an important client is not yet known.