Collection of Whimsical Antique Wood Tape Measures

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Collection of Whimsical Antique Wood Tape Measures

About the Item

It is difficult to imagine in our world of plentiful gadgets that at one time, a tape measure was a rare and expensive commodity to the everyday sewing basket. Their accuracy was important and in the Victorian era through the early 20th century the ribbon tape was hand marked to ensure precision. These whimsical wooden tape measures would have been a fun and functional collectible in their day and continue to be a fascinating curiosity that would be a wonderful addition to a cottage decor or even a folk art collection. Each is similarly constructed though they all vary in age and design. The set of four includes: a painted house with the tape edged to resemble a flag and the roof opening to reveal cotton for needle storage, a painted and pierced container with celluloid ring and handles, a tartan dome printed 'Wallace', a rosewood container designed to look like a spool of thread with bone ring. They all have a winding mechanism for retraction and three of the measures are marked with archival numbers and may have been part of a museum collection or exhibition. Apple shown for scale. CONDITION The tape measures are all in good functional condition though they do indicate age and wear. The house shows loss of paint decoration. The pierced container may have originally has a lid over the tape. The rosewood 'spool' has a chip at the base. All of the tape measures are delicate and should be handled with care. Special note should be taken of the tape on the house as it could be difficult to retrieve it if retracted too far. MEASUREMENTS The house measures 3.25" tall x 2" wide x 2" deep. The pierced container measures 2.13" tall x 2.25" wide and deep. The tartan measures 2" tall x 1.25" wide and deep. The 'spool’ measures 1.25" tall x .88" wide and deep.

Style:
Victorian (Of the Period)
Place of Origin:
Unknown
Period:
Late 19th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. The tape measures are all in good functional condition though they do indicate age and wear with some flaws including paint loss. Please see description for details.
Seller Location:
Atlanta, GA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU48739113622