John Rabone And Sons Tape Measure - No. 401
The Verdict
Review By: I.Ball
Category: Old Tape Measures
Manufacturer: John Rabone And Sons
Tool Type: Tape Measure
Model No: 401
The John Rabone And Sons tape measure number 401 has a woven linen tape, a
brass winder and a solid leather, hand-stitched case.
The tape typically measured with the measurement commencing from the outside of the
ring at the end of the tape, i.e. ring is included in the measurement.
The most common measurements on these tape measures were feet
and inches on the top side with links to the reverse side.
The tapes measures which surface most regularly today are 33ft, 66ft,
and 100ft with measurements on both sides.
Tape Measure Construction
Case:
leather
Fittings:
brass
Tape:
woven linen
Markings:
'John Rabone & Sons, Birmingham, England'.
[the size] on the brass winder (usually 33ft, 66ft or 100ft).
'Rabone's Metallic Wired Tape'.
Sometimes there are additional marks such as a company name, goverment department
or an owners name/mark.
Manufactured Dates
? - ?
Are There Any Problems / Issues With This Tool?
Due to the age of these tape measures, it is quite common to find the first 6-10
inches of the tape heavily worn with fraying or the numbers barely visible.
It is also fairly common to find the brass pull missing or replaced.
Another less desirable fault which can occur is the winder handle no longer holds
shut; it flaps about when held upside down.
The case stitching can sometimes be coming apart at the seams.
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