Advertising Ruler

Q: I have a 12-inch folding ruler that advertises International Harvester Co. of America. It’s made of cream-colored celluloid and has two calendars on the back, one for 1906 and the other for 1907. The front ad reads, “Make it a Rule to bale your hay with I.H.C. Hay Presses.” Does it have any value?

A: International Harvester Co., headquartered in Chicago, was in business from 1902 to 1985. Advertising with giveaways like rulers, mirrors, calendars, paperweights and other small items has been popular since the late 1800s. Your ruler would appeal to collectors of advertising or of celluloid, an early plastic. But rulers like yours don’t sell for a lot of money. We have seen them offered for $10 to $25.