Phot. Z. Reszka; Click to see more

This wooden walking stick with a black horn handle was used for measuring horses. A yardstick with a square cross-section, combined with the handle, comes out of the interior of the walking stick. Three side surfaces of the yardstick feature measuring scales marked with suitable inscriptions: length (Längenmasse), with a scale of 94–173 cm, width (Masse für Breiten v. 7-85 ctm.), with a scale of 7–85 cm, and H. (Höhenmasse), with a scale of 96–175 cm. The fourth surface has a groove, whose interior conceals metal battens to be turned at a right angle and marking the precise measurement. One is permanently installed right next to the walking stick handle, another is loosely and interchangeably screwed on: either next to or along the upper edge. The walking stick foot is outfitted with a screw regulating its height. This is an extremely practical and precise piece of equipment, useful for horse breeders carrying out a control survey of the animals. It was certainly used not only by the Wilanów horse master, horse experts and lovers. A lover of “antiquities” could apply it for measuring the diameter of an ancient column or the thickness of a disclosed fragment of a wall.