Keuffel & Esser 4058 Beginners

The model 4058 was produced in the United States from 1922 to 1959. The first design of this model was first shown in 1897 and was named 1749-1, and it was initially named Students Slide Rule, but after 1922 was named Beginners Slide Rule. It was the cheapest slide rule offered by K&E. The National Museum of National History reports that model N4058-W was $2.50 in 1959 ($25.85 in 2023 USD), but in the 1920's was sold for $0.75 ($11.00 in 2023 USD) .

It was fabricated completely from wood, that was painted or varnished, with the scales painted on the faces. Different kind of cursors were used for this model: metallic frame, all glass and plastic. Same as the Mannheim 4041 model, the 4058 family has on the front face only the A-B and C-D scales, and in the back of the slider the S, L and T scales. In 1944 the 4058 evolved adding two more scales: K and CI.

On the back side the 4058 model has the same unit conversion instructions present in the 4041, 4053, and 4054 models. 

In 1962 was replaced by a plastic version model, the 68 1892 K12 Prep, labeled also Students rule. This new model had no scale conversion tables at the back face.

References:

• McCoy, Clark: Keuffel and Esser Catalog Site. K&E Catalogs and Price Lists for Slide Rules.  http://www.mccoys-kecatalogs.com/KEmain.htm 

This website is the most extensive digitla file of Keuffel and Esser product catalogs and price lists (prices  shown here were taken from these lists)  from 1881 until 1972. You can find also user manuals for many slide rule models, as well as other interesting brochures and materials.

• Shawlee, Walter: Keuffel & Esser Co. Slide Rules. https://www.sphere.bc.ca/test/ke-sliderule.html 

This website gives a good overview of models, and other interesting information and links