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Directory: Popular Collectibles: Specialty: Sewing: Pre 1910: Item # 1428930

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Moylan-Smelkinson/The Spare Room
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P.O. Box 4684
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
tel. 410-435-3738

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C.1900 Metal Turtle Tape Measure - Turtles were among many whimsical sewing notions in the Victorian period. In addition, the simple tape measure was a valuable tool for needlework and often used by the women of the house to check the measurement of materials. Our adorable turtle is, interestingly enough, inscribed "Baltimore, Md", and possible harkens back to Baltimore's small but might sewing trade. The "needle trades" in Baltimore,from the Civil War to early 30's, specialized in turning out more industrial type of garmets- municipal worker's uniforms, for example. Our turtle is made from metal and is wound into the turtle's back via a handle, with the measure made from a spring mechanism. The turtle is made from tin. A must for the sewing collector.