Has anybody ever heard of the Appalachian Auto Parts Co?  I have a really nice machinist's scale that looks to be from the 1950's-early60's with their name, address and phone number on it ... (1902 University Ave, 2-8182 (yes, that's right)

Was it a chain or a stand-alone store?  The only internet reference I could find is they were involved in a price fixing lawsuit in May of 1965 brought before the 7th circuit law (jurisdiction Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana) - not a very Appalachian part of the country.

Howdy Zen,

The patent idea is interesting. It's a fine steel rule, 6" long and marked out in 1/32 and 1/10", with a decimal to fractional inch conversion on the back side.  Very nicely made since the text is slightly embossed into the steel and then painted black.

Unfortunately, there is no patent number, only "GUCO 152", which is so vague that the internet search is pretty scary.

Thanks.