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This rod measures 2 feet in 3 inch graduations. It was discovered in the Midsteeple in Dumfries High Street and would have belonged to the Dean of Guild of the Town Council.
All stallholders had to calibrate their scales and measuring sticks according to the Town Council's set of weights and measures.
A Dean of Guild, under Scots law, was a burgh magistrate who, in later years, had the care of buildings. Originally, the post was held by the head of the Guild brethren of Scottish towns, and dates back to the 12th century. Later, the phrase Dean of Guild also described the courts set up in the 14th century to settle trade disputes. In the 19th century they became responsible for enforcing the burgh's building regulations, a role that was abolished in the mid 20th century.