Sold 3 September 2024 · Colin Brand Antiques

This “Novelty Antique Tape Measure” found a buyer.

It was listed by Colin Brand Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Brass Collectable Collectable Sewing Accessory Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

A very sweet and unusual copper novelty working tape c1900.

I can’t quite reference what it’s in the form of, something nautical?

Age related wear as can be seen. The tape pulls out and winds back.

Nice little sewing related collectable.

Date of Manufacture

Colin Brand Antiques has dated this Brass Tape Measure to the 1900s.

Physical Dimensions

Height

3.5cm (1.38")

Width

3.5cm (1.38")

Depth

3.5cm (1.38")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1054454

Dealers Internal Reference

1531

Dealers Notes

Colin Brand Antiques Est. 1984

Description

A very sweet and unusual copper novelty working tape c1900.

I can’t quite reference what it’s in the form of, something nautical?

Age related wear as can be seen. The tape pulls out and winds back.

Nice little sewing related collectable.

Date of Manufacture

Colin Brand Antiques has dated this Brass Tape Measure to the 1900s.

Physical Dimensions

Height

3.5cm (1.38")

Width

3.5cm (1.38")

Depth

3.5cm (1.38")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1054454

Dealers Internal Ref

1531

About the Dealer

Colin Brand Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2014

Antiques with a story to tell and where history finds a home

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Colin Brand Antiques Profile Page

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An isolated close-up photograph of a small vintage brass novelty tape measure featuring a ship wheel design.

1 / 4

Archive I

Novelty Antique Tape Measure

Archive II

An isolated close-up photograph of a small vintage brass novelty tape measure featuring a ship wheel design. View II

Archive III

An isolated close-up photograph of a small vintage brass novelty tape measure featuring a ship wheel design. View III

Archive IV

An isolated close-up photograph of a small vintage brass novelty tape measure featuring a ship wheel design. View IV

Colin Brand Antiques

Telephone 07786 922 409

Location

Stow on the Wold
Gloucestershire
United Kingdom

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/colinbrand

Verified Since Apr 2014

Items For Sale 64

Items Sold 957

Email Colin Brand Antiques

Novelty Antique Tape Measure

Ref: SA1054454

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Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectSewing Tools and Collectables
Period1900 - 1920
StyleVictorian / Edwardian
MaterialBrass
ColourWarm Brass
MotifsShip wheel top, Cylindrical housing, Cast metal construction
SizeH 3.5 cm (1 in) x W 3.5 cm (1 in) x D 3.5 cm (1 in)

FAQs

Novelty tape measures are functional measuring devices produced in imaginative shapes, often taking the form of animals, everyday objects, or nautical motifs, popular from the late 19th to the mid-20th century.

These pieces were frequently constructed from brass, copper, or plated metals, occasionally featuring bone, ivory, or celluloid elements for decorative effect.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit period-appropriate wear, traditional casting methods, patination on the metal surfaces, and manual retraction mechanisms rather than modern spring-loaded internal steel springs.

These small collectables work well as subtle desk accessories, cabinet curiosities, or displayed on bookshelves alongside other small historical objects.

Dust the item gently with a soft, dry cloth and avoid harsh chemical polishes or abrasive cleaners to preserve the natural historical patination and metal finish.