Reviewed By: I.Ball
Category: Old Tape Measures
Manufacturer: Hockley Abbey / John Rabone
Tool Type: Tape Measure
Model No: 260
The Hockley Abbey John Rabone & Sons tape measure number 260 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.
Case:
leather
Fittings:
brass
Tape:
woven linen
Markings:
'Hockley Abbey, John Rabone & Sons, Made In England' + [three triangle Hockley Abbey logo].
[the size] on the brass winder (usually 33ft, 66ft or 100ft).
Sometimes there are additional marks such as a company name, goverment department
or an owners name/mark.
? - ?
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.
Tony - What year were these made?
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